As the Department of Energy (DOE) marks its 52nd anniversary, the observance of the National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM) for 2024 will be launched this coming Monday, 02 December 2024.

With the theme “Energizing a Sustainable Tomorrow: Empowered Communities through Clean, Resilient, and Inclusive Energy Solutions”, the NECM’s annual observance seeks to further advance the country’s sustainable energy future aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 which targets universal access to energy, increasing renewable energy’s share in the energy mix, and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvement.

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this administration is driving efforts to accelerate and expand the development of the country’s domestic energy sources. A key priority is the rapid advancement of renewable energy, with the goal of increasing its share in the power mix from the current 22% to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. Complementing this, the government aims to sustain energy efficiency at a minimum of 10% of total demand through 2050, achieve an electric vehicle market share of at least 50%, and establish a nuclear power generation capacity of at least 1,200 MW by 2032.

The DOE, alongside the energy family, will spearhead a series of energy-related campaigns across the country through energy literacy and awareness among Filipinos, while highlighting the collective role of the government and the Filipino people in achieving a sustainable energy future.  

In 2007, Presidential Proclamation No. 1427 was issued declaring December of every year as NECM, to coincide with the DOE’s anniversary. The NECM provides a venue to create public awareness through information campaigns to bring the people toward judicious conservation and efficient utilization of energy as provided under said Proclamation.

Meanwhile, as part of the NECM celebration, the DOE will be conducting the following activities: Energy Investment Forum on 05 December 2024, Energy Policy Dialogue 2024 on 06 December 2024, 19th Energy Safety, Health and Environment Conference, Sustainable Energy Awards and the Energy Efficiency Excellence (EEE) Awards on 12 December 2024. ###

The Department of Energy (DOE) maintains its department-wide ISO 50001:2018 certification, the international standard for Energy Management Systems (EnMS). It remains the only government agency in the country to achieve this distinction at a department-wide level, highlighting its leadership in energy efficiency and sustainability.

ISO 50001:2018 is an international energy management system standard that provides organizations of any size with a tool to optimize energy performance and promote more efficient energy management systematically. The audit for the DOE’s certification was conducted by DQS Certification Philippines, Inc. from 21 to 22 November 2024.

This certification reflects the DOE’s steadfast commitment to enhancing energy performance, improving operational efficiency, and institutionalizing sustainable energy management practices across its organization.

In December 2023, the DOE achieved this milestone, becoming the first and only department-wide government agency in the country to receive an ISO certification for EnMS following a comprehensive audit conducted in the same month.

Aligned with ISO 50001 international guidelines, the DOE has continued to implement systematic processes to reduce energy consumption. In September 2024, the Department further strengthened its Energy Management Team to bolster the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) measures, ensuring long-term integration into its operations.

One of the key initiatives is the adoption of a flexible work arrangement, or the Friday work-from-home scheme. Since its implementation in February 2023, this initiative has led to an average monthly electricity savings of over 14%, equivalent to 18,303 kWh or ₱214,649.04. Over the 22 months of its implementation or from February 2023 to November 2024, the Department has achieved an estimated total savings of ₱4.72 million, demonstrating the effectiveness of this energy efficiency measure.

Complementing the flexible work arrangement is the department-wide adoption of a default air-conditioning temperature of 24 degrees Celsius during the four-day in-person work week, further demonstrating its commitment to energy efficiency.

Regular energy audits and spot checks have also played a crucial role in achieving the DOE’s energy efficiency goals. These initiatives have heightened employee awareness, fostered a culture of energy conservation, and encouraged the consistent adoption of EEC measures in daily routines.

In addition to its internal initiatives, the DOE has significantly advanced its performance in the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), achieving a cumulative electricity savings of 30.04% as of October 2024. This translates to a reduction of 21.84 MWh compared to the 2019 baseline of 72.73 MWh.  This baseline figure represents the average monthly electricity consumption of the DOE prior to the passage and implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency Act of 2019.

The GEMP is guided by the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC), established under RA 11285. The program aims to reduce electricity and fuel consumption across government agencies by at least 10% through EEC strategies.

Key initiatives under the GEMP include retrofitting of air-conditioning and lighting systems with energy-efficient inverter and LED technologies, deploying electric vehicles, and conducting regular monitoring and documentation of energy consumption. These efforts highlight the DOE’s commitment to fostering sustainable energy practices and setting a standard for efficiency across all government agencies.

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla expressed his appreciation for the DOE’s collective efforts. “I am pleased with the proactive engagement of our employees, whose contributions have been instrumental in the success of the Department’s energy-saving initiatives. Their dedication sets a strong example of how collective action can drive meaningful change in managing resources responsibly. The confirmation of this certification ahead of the Annual National Energy Consciousness Month in December serves as a fitting prelude to the celebration,” the Secretary said.

The DOE’s ISO 50001:2018 certification underscores its leadership in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability, serving as a model for both public and private organizations. ###

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Musim Mindanao (BARMM) signed today, 27 November 2024, a Transition Agreement to support the Bangsamoro Government in implementing the provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

Signed by Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim, this Transition Agreement formalizes the collaboration between the two governments for the smooth transfer of the administration, application and development of renewable energy in the Bangsamoro area.

Section 8, Article XIII of the Bangsamoro Organic Law grants the Bangsamoro Government the authority to explore, develop, and utilize natural resources, including renewable energy sources, within the Bangsamoro region. Inland waters that are a source of energy for areas outside the BARMM are co-managed by the BARMM and the national government.

As part of the implementation process, the DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DOE-REMB) will continue to provide capacity building support to the Bangsamoro Government. This includes training and guidance to MENRE on key policy and operational matters, as well as guidelines for the processing and award of renewable energy service contracts and operating contracts and other registrations within the BARMM.

“Through DOE-REMB, we commit our full assistance to MENRE to facilitate its full assumption of the powers, functions, and responsibilities delegated to the DOE under the Renewable Energy Act, including those powers, functions, and responsibilities pertaining to the REMB, and other regulations that applies to the BARMM,” Secretary Lotilla said.

“By working hand-in-hand and providing full assistance to MENRE, we are committed to ensuring that the Bangsamoro Government has the necessary support, resources, and expertise to successfully implement renewable energy policies and initiatives in the region. This partnership will not only help drive the development of renewable energy projects but also create long-term benefits for the region, along with improved energy access, environmental sustainability, and economic growth,” the Secretary added.

These transition activities shall be performed and completed by both parties no later than 31 December 2024 or until an agreed upon later date by both parties. Within this period, the DOE-REMB shall also transfer to MENRE the custody and responsibility over data and files relating to renewable energy projects located within the BARMM.

Following the transition period, the MENRE will officially take over the administration of all renewable energy service contracts and operating contracts that have been awarded by the DOE within the BARMM. “This transition marks a key moment in the empowerment of the Bangsamoro Government, as MENRE assumes full responsibility for overseeing the implementation and management of renewable energy projects in the region,” the Secretary said.

As part of this responsibility, MENRE will ensure that all contracts are managed in accordance with its established policies and guidelines, which are specifically designed to align with the unique needs and priorities of BARMM. ###

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla welcomes the latest significant investment in the Philippine renewable energy sector --- the groundbreaking of 3,500 megawatt solar plant project, paired with a 4,500 megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS to be developed by Terra Solar Philippines, Inc. This project, once completed, will become the world’s largest single-site solar and BESS facility, marking a transformative moment in the country’s energy landscape. Its first phase covers 2,500 MW.
 
The Secretary commended Terra Solar Philippines, Inc and partner, Actis, for their commitment to the Philippine energy sector, highlighting that this project exemplifies the type of innovation and investment needed to accelerate the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
 
“This major investment in solar and energy storage technology is a crucial step toward achieving our goal of increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix, reducing our carbon footprint and addressing electricity demand in Luzon. It not only enhances our energy security and resilience but will also contribute to our broader economic development by creating jobs and promoting sustainable growth,” Secretary Lotilla said.
 
Beyond its contribution to the energy sector, this project will have a profound economic impact. During the construction phase until its long-term operations, the project is expected to create significant jobs across various sectors, including engineering, construction, manufacturing, maintenance and management of solar plant, battery storage systems, and the associated transmission infrastructure. “This will provide a much-needed boost to the economy, offering employment opportunities to skilled workers and contributing to the development of local communities,” the Secretary added.
 
Once operational, the project is expected to generate over five billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, providing a substantial contribution to the Luzon grid and address the growing demand for clean and sustainable energy, while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The integration of an advanced battery energy storage system will also enhance grid stability, enabling the storage of excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours for use during off-peak periods, further strengthening the energy security of the country.
 
Actis, which will invest in a 40% stake in the project, is a leading global investor in sustainable infrastructure and will bring its decades’ worth of expertise investing in global scale energy generation. The company is in the business of building and operationalizing world-class energy assets to accelerate the energy transition. In October 2024, Actis joined forces with General Atlantic, a leading global growth investor, creating a diversified, global investment platform with approximately $87 billion in combined assets under management. Acti operates as General Atlantic’s sustainable infrastructure business.
 
The solar plant and battery storage project would contribute to the Philippines’ attainment of its renewable energy goals. By 2040, the country aims to derive at least 50% of its energy from renewable sources, with solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro playing key roles. This project represents a critical piece of that vision, driving forward the development of a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the Philippines.
 
The project, located in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan will serve as a model for future investments in renewable energy, driving innovation and positioning the Philippines as a leader in the global renewable energy market. ###

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the resumption of the acceptance and processing of renewable energy contract applications through the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) System, effective 25 November 2024. Beginning on this date, developers in the renewable energy sector will now be able to submit their official letters of intent and applications for renewable energy contracts through the DOE's online platform, EVOSS.

It may be recalled that the processing of renewable energy applications in the EVOSS System was temporarily suspended on 25 June 2024 to allow the DOE to update and align the application process in the EVOSS in accordance with the revised omnibus guidelines governing renewable energy contracts issued on 10 June 2024.

The five-month moratorium provided the DOE the time to update the list of active renewable energy contracts, enhance the functionality of the EVOSS System, and streamline processes with concerned government agencies. Additionally, a new procedure was established for the real-time updating of available areas for renewable energy service and operating contract applications.

“This resumption marks a significant step in advancing the country’s renewable energy goals, facilitating a more efficient project approvals while ensuring that future developments align with the updated regulatory framework. Through these improvements, we hope to foster greater investment and development in the renewable energy sector, contributing to the goal of renewable energy share of 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040 in the power generation mix,” Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said.

The revised omnibus guidelines introduced new opportunities for developers to improve their work programs. One major change is the option for developers to obtain a Certificate of Authority (COA) before signing a renewable energy contract.

“With the inclusion of COA in the EVOSS application process and a cleaner list of registered renewable energy project developers, we can now monitor projects more effectively,” Undersecretary Guevara added. “This will foster a more dynamic and competitive environment, driving innovation and efficiency, while ensuring that the energy transition is led by committed and capable developers,” Undersecretary Guevara said.

The COA is a key step in the development process, enabling developers to secure the necessary permits and conduct essential surveys and pre-feasibility activities even prior to the official commencement of the 25-year contract. By allowing these activities to take place earlier, developers can better prepare for project implementation and proactively address potential challenges. This streamlined approach not only accelerates project timelines but also enhances the overall efficiency of the development process.

The COA is valid for three (3) years for offshore wind projects, biomass, geothermal, hydropower, ocean and onshore wind projects, two (2) years for floating solar, and one (1) year for land-based solar projects.

Additionally, the revised guidelines simplify the process for obtaining incentives for renewable energy projects. Developers can now secure a certificate of registration (COR) from the DOE after confirming the commercial viability of their projects. In the case of biomass and solar energy projects, developers can secure the COR after achieving financial closure. ###