The Department of Energy (DOE) has officially released the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the fourth round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-4), providing a clear framework for the auction process. The TOR sets out the technical, financial, and commercial requirements that will govern project selection, ensuring a transparent and competitive bidding process.

GEA-4 aims to accelerate the country’s renewable energy transition by adding 9,378 megawatts (MW) of new capacity from ground-mounted solar, roof-mounted solar, floating solar, and onshore wind projects. Significantly, this round marks a milestone as the first auction to integrate Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems (IRESS), specifically solar power plants paired with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). With an additional 1,100 MW of solar capacity equipped with energy storage, these projects are expected to enhance grid reliability and flexibility while supporting the country’s growing electricity demand.

“The release of the TOR for GEA-4 underscores the Philippines’ commitment to transitioning to clean energy while ensuring energy security. By ensuring a transparent and competitive selection process for renewable energy projects, we are accelerating the shift toward a more sustainable, secure, and resilient energy system,” said Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.

The auction capacity requirement in megawatt (MW) for different technologies as well as the target delivery dates, are as follows:

The DOE is giving advanced notice on GEA-4 with the posting of the Notice of Auction (NOA) today, 12 March 2025. The NOA will take effect, and the timelines specified therein will commence, upon the effectivity of Department Circular (DC) No. DC2025-03-004, which is scheduled for publication in the coming days. This DC introduces updated GEAP guidelines, aimed at clarifying the qualifications of eligible suppliers and ensuring fair pricing mechanisms for projects under the GEA.

Under the new guidelines, qualified suppliers must either hold a renewable energy service contract or possess a Certificate of Authority (COA) issued under the Revised Omnibus RE Guidelines.

Additionally, the Green Energy Tariff (GET) for GEA projects will now be subject to indexation, as may be determined by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in accordance with Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) rules. This adjustment ensures that tariff rates remain fair, transparent, and responsive to market fluctuations, reinforcing investor confidence in the renewable energy sector.

The supply contract for winning renewable energy projects will be for 20 years, starting from the commercial operation date (COD) of the plant.

To participate in GEA-4, qualified renewable energy suppliers must register with the DOE by submitting the required documentation outlined in the TOR. The GEA Bids Evaluation and Awards Committee will assess the applications, and a list of qualified bidders will be published on the DOE website before the pre-bid conference.

For IRESS projects, only solar facilities that are not yet commercially operational and do not have a Provisional Authority to Operate (PAO) or Certificate of Compliance (COC) may be registered. However, existing solar facilities currently facing curtailed operations under their PAO/COC may also qualify.

All IRESS projects must adhere to specific technical standards. These include an energy storage system (ESS) inverter ratio of at least 0.2 relative to the registered solar capacity and a minimum round-trip efficiency of 85%, as specified by the manufacturer. Round-trip efficiency measures the ratio of energy output during discharge to energy input during charging. Additionally, each project must have a minimum storage duration of four (4) hours to ensure sufficient grid support and energy reliability.

The registration of qualified suppliers for GEA-4 will commence one (1) working day after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) publishes the Green Energy Auction Reserve (GEAR) Price.

GEA-4 is expected to drive substantial investment in renewable energy, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of the Philippines’ energy transition. As a flagship government initiative, the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) aims to expand the country’s renewable energy capacity and achieve a 35% share in the national energy mix by 2030. By providing energy developers with opportunities to secure long-term contracts, GEAP fosters sustainable energy production while ensuring a more stable, reliable, and greener power supply for the nation. ###

The Department of Energy (DOE) enjoins all liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry players to fully comply with Republic Act No. 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act (LIRA), to avoid substantial administrative and criminal penalties, including business closure and permanent disqualification from engaging in any LPG activity.

The LIRA was enacted to protect the interests of end-consumers and establish standards of conduct for the LPG industry. Towards this end, it institutes reforms in these standards of conduct and the codes of practice for the industry and aims to ensure compliance with the standards for health, safety, security, environment and quality applicable to the activities in the industry.

These activities include the importation, refining, storage, export, refilling, transportation, distribution and marketing of LPG, and the importation, manufacture, requalification, repair, exchange, improvement and scrapping of LPG pressure vessels, LPG seals and other ancillary equipment. Accordingly, all establishments engaged in LPG activities are mandated to comply with the LIRA and applicable rules and regulations of the DOE and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

As a deterrent to unauthorized activities that may lead to adverse consequences to public health, public safety, security and environment, the LIRA provides substantial administrative and criminal penalties, including fines of up to PhP100,000 for every non-compliant item, material or equipment, such as LPG seal or pressure vessel, business closure and permanent disqualification, and imprisonment of up to 12 years.

Since 2023, the DOE has been committed to its legal mandate to regulate, supervise, and monitor the compliance of LPG industry participants and to perform its enforcement powers under the LIRA. As of date, there have been a number of LPG industry participants that have been administratively charged and imposed fines and penalties for violation of the LIRA.

Accordingly, all LPG industry participants are enjoined to comply with their obligations under the LIRA, DOE-DTI Joint Department Circular (JDC) No. JDC 2022-05-0001,[1] DOE-DTI JDC No. JDC2022-11-0002,[2] DOE Department Circular (DC) No. DC2022-11-0037,[3] and DOE DC No. 2023-08-0025. [4] These include, but are not limited to, securing the necessary licenses, permits and certifications from the DOE and other relevant agencies and strict compliance with safety and quality standards for all LPG facilities, equipment, pressure vessels, and seals.

“These penalties are designed to protect consumers, prevent hazardous incidents, and maintain the integrity of the LPG industry sector,” DOE Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales emphasized. “By enforcing strict safety measures, we ensure that only legally sourced and properly handled LPG products reach the market, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to public safety and product quality,” he added.

The DOE remains steadfast in its mission to ensure a safe, high-quality and reliable LPG supply for all consumers. “By working collaboratively with industry stakeholders and strictly enforcing LIRA regulations, we are fostering a safer environment built on responsible LPG practices,” Undersecretary Sales said. ###

The Philippines has enhanced its nuclear energy emergency preparedness with the successful completion of a writeshop dedicated to refining the National Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (RADPLAN). This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s ability to mitigate and respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies by establishing clear protocols, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and ensuring alignment with international safety standards.

This effort builds on previous initiatives, including two writeshops in 2023 and a 2024 review by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) Technical Working Group (TWG). The TWG assessed gaps, integrated best practices, and incorporated recommendations to ensure that the plan aligns with international nuclear safety frameworks and is in accordance with the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

Led by the Department of Energy (DOE) and DOST-PNRI, the writeshop which was held recently brought together around 70 participants from 23 member agencies of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), including technical experts from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) preparedness and response clusters.

The RADPLAN establishes clear procedures for protecting public health and the environment while outlining coordinated response strategies for nuclear and radiological emergencies. It addresses potential incidents from various sources, including non-power applications of nuclear and radiological technologies --- such as medical diagnostics and industrial quality control. Additionally, it enhances the country’s capacity to respond to nuclear incidents from power plants in neighboring countries, strengthening regional security.

During the writeshop, participants reviewed and refined the plan, focusing on comprehensive planning and coordination protocols, detailed emergency response procedures, effective preparedness strategies, and clear operational guidelines.

The finalized RADPLAN will now undergo a higher-level review by the NDRRMC, which is responsible for ensuring that the plan aligns with national disaster risk reduction policies.

"This Plan strengthens the country’s emergency response readiness, reducing risks from both internal and external nuclear and radiological hazards," said DOE Director Nenito C. Jariel, Jr., who leads the NEP-IAC Subcommittee on Emergency Planning.

The NEP-IAC has been intensifying efforts on the development of the Nuclear Energy Program Roadmap to comply with the 19 infrastructure requirements set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
 

As part of its on-going initiative, the Inter-Agency Committee is rigorously reviewing the compliance, formulation, and implementation of both domestic and international nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. The goal is to finalize all necessary protocols, agreements, and regulatory frameworks before the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant begins.
 

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims for a phased entry of nuclear energy into its power generation mix, beginning with a 1,200 MW of capacity, with operations targeted to commence by 2032, up to 2,600 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050. ###

As temperatures rise with the onset of the summer season, the Department of Energy (DOE) reminds the public to adopt energy efficiency measures to manage electricity consumption and ensure the stability of the country's power supply.

The summer months are characterized by higher energy demand, primarily driven by the increased use of cooling appliances such as air conditioners, electric fans and refrigerators. Without mindful consumption, this surge could strain the power grid, potentially leading to supply challenges and price fluctuations in the spot market,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said.

To help maintain a stable and reliable energy supply, the DOE encourages all consumers—households, businesses, and government institutions—to adopt practical and effective demand-side management strategies without compromising productivity and operational performance. This includes refraining from or rescheduling high-energy-consuming activities during peak hours, typically from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekends in Luzon, and from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Visayas and Mindanao --- where electricity demand is at its highest. By shifting energy-intensive operations to off-peak hours, consumers can help ease the strain on the grid, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable power system.

For households, the DOE encourages the adoption of energy-saving measures such as the setting of air conditioners to 24-26°C, using electric fans to improve air circulation, maximizing natural ventilation when possible, and keeping appliances well-maintained for optimal efficiency. For those planning to buy or replace air conditioners or refrigerators, the DOE recommends investing in inverter-type models. This technology helps prevent excessive energy consumption and reduces power fluctuations by adjusting the compressor speed based on cooling demand.

Commercial and industrial establishments, on the other hand, can improve energy efficiency by regularly maintaining their equipment to ensure optimal performance and adopting energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and automated energy management systems. They are also encouraged to implement demand-side management strategies, such as scheduling high-energy-consuming activities during off-peak hours and integrating renewable energy solutions like solar power to reduce dependence on the grid. Additionally, employees and facility managers play a crucial role by ensuring that unused equipment is turned off and that energy conservation protocols are consistently followed.

Meanwhile, government institutions are urged to continue setting the thermostat of office air-conditioning units at 24°C with operating hours limited to 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, regular maintenance and cleaning of air-conditioners, encouraging employees to take the stairs especially when going one floor up or down, turning off lights and computers during lunch breaks, closing blinds and curtains, and avoiding, whenever possible, the use of high-energy-consuming devices. These measures not only enhance grid stability but also reduce operational costs and support the country’s long-term energy security and sustainability goals.

Based on the demand forecast for the year, the DOE projects a peak demand of 14,769 MW for Luzon, 3,111 MW for Visayas, and 2,789 MW for Mindanao. The maximum adjusted available generating capacity is 15,504 MW in Luzon, 3,040 MW in Visayas and 3,314 MW in Mindanao as outlined in the Grid Operating Maintenance Program (GOMP) 2025-2027 and committed power projects for 2025. New power projects under testing and commissioning will add 1,890 MW in Luzon and 193 MW in Visayas.

Additionally, the Luzon-Visayas and Visayas-Mindanao high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnections enhance supply availability and improve reserve margins by enabling capacity sharing of 250 MW and 450 MW, respectively.

Meanwhile, with this year’s La Niña, rainfall is expected to help moderate rising temperatures across the country. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has also assured the DOE that water releases will continue until June or July. This will be particularly beneficial for the Pantabangan and Magat dams, which serve both irrigation needs and the energy sector by helping meet Luzon's power requirements.

The DOE underscores the importance of collective action in energy conservation and sustainable consumption patterns. “By making simple adjustments in daily routines, consumers can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient use of electricity, helping to prevent power interruptions and ensuring that energy resources remain sufficient throughout the summer season,” the Secretary said. ###

The Philippines, through the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Republic of Korea have officially kicked off the 2024/25 Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP), a key bilateral initiative aimed at fostering energy cooperation and building a secure, resilient energy system for the future.

The KSP was conceived following high-level discussions between the governments of the Philippines and Korea in August 2024. It serves as a strategic platform for the exchange of expertise and best practices, enabling the Philippines to benefit from Korea’s advancements in energy technologies while showcasing its own strengths in renewable energy, particularly in geothermal and pumped hydropower generation.

The program brings together leading Korean energy institutions, namely the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). Additionally, the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) of Korea serves as the program’s official coordinating organization for Philippine government-related affairs under KSP, facilitating energy cooperation between the Philippines and Korea.

DOE Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales, who represented Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla during the kick-off meeting, underscored the program’s importance in shaping evidence-based policies and enhancing institutional capacities. “Through the KSP, we aim to gain invaluable insights and best practices that will help us craft policies, strengthen our institutions, and implement innovative energy solutions that respond to our country’s evolving energy landscape,” said Undersecretary Sales.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who also attended the kick-off meeting, emphasized the program’s role in deepening bilateral ties and advancing shared sustainability goals. “Both our countries envision a greener, more sustainable future. This Knowledge Sharing Program provides an opportunity for mutual learning --- Korea can benefit from the Philippines’ longstanding expertise in geothermal and pumped-storage hydropower, while we can gain valuable insights from Korea’s advancements in smart grids, battery technologies, and nuclear energy,” he said.

The 2024/25 KSP will focus on critical energy priorities, including the integration of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, renewable energy integration and grid modernization, advanced battery storage systems, and nuclear energy development. As the country works towards achieving a 35% renewable energy share by 2030 and explores nuclear energy as part of its future energy mix, the program will provide essential technical support and policy guidance.

As part of the program, the Philippines has submitted three key proposals that align with its energy transition and socioeconomic development goals. These include initiatives on accelerating electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure, integrating floating solar and smart grid technologies, and strengthening capacity building for clean energy development.

Since its inception in 2004, KSP has supported over 759 research programs across 1,300 topics, fostering collaborations that drive innovation and enhance institutional capabilities. The program has played a significant role in advancing energy cooperation between Korea and its partner countries, including the Philippines.

AEDC Chairman Yoon Sukhun expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ longstanding partnership with Korea, highlighting the broader significance of the initiative. “This program is not just about technology transfer, it is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared commitment of our nations to sustainable energy development,” he said.

With the formal launch of the 2024/25 KSP, the Philippines and Korea reaffirm their dedication to fostering strong energy cooperation, leveraging shared knowledge, and driving forward sustainable energy solutions that will benefit both nations in the years to come. ###