The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued Certificates of Energy Projects of National Significance (CEPNS) to 149 power and transmission projects worth PHP2.4 trillion from May to December 2024.
The DOE reported that these projects include 91 renewable energy (RE) projects generating 17.6 gigawatts of clean power and 1.5 GW additional supply from four conventional power plants.
Twenty-nine transmission projects and 24 microgrid system projects were also certified as energy investments of national significance.
“The timely development of critical energy infrastructure is essential to securing our nation’s energy future. By facilitating investments in power generation and transmission in an efficient and timely manner, we are not only strengthening our energy security but also accelerating our transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system,” DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a news release.
The government suspended the issuance of CEPNS in December 2020.
Since its resumption in October 2023 and the revision of guidelines took effect in April 2024, energy projects worth at least PHP3.5 billion can be granted with CEPNS as long as they are also identified in the Philippine Energy Plan that include power generation, transmission, distribution, and ancillary services essential for grid stability and load growth.
According to DOE, the largest projects that were granted with CEPNS include the 1,000 megawatts (MW) San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Power Project of Copenhagen Infrastructure New Market Fund (CI NMF) Philippines Corp., 1,400 MW Pakil Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Project of Ahunan Power, Inc., and the 2,500 MWac Terra Solar Project of Terra Solar Philippines, Inc.
“(P)rojects granted CEPNS will receive priority processing and expedited approvals from permitting agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units, and other relevant authorities,” DOE explained.
“The revised framework also grants automatic CEPNS qualifications to renewable energy projects eligible under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) System, those selected through the Green Energy Auction Program, and projects that support the country’s energy transition goals in line with DOE policies promoting clean energy,” it added.
The DOE said it issued CEPNS to 149 energy projects worth PHP795 billion between 2017 and 2020, of which, 133 were already in the commercial stage and 16 are still in the pre-development stage. The remaining projects are in various stages of development.
“The DOE remains committed to ensuring the timely development of critical energy projects that support the country’s energy security, economic growth, and transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Under the CEPNS framework, more projects are currently under assessment,” DOE added. (PNA)
