Manila: 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, these projects include 91 renewable energy projects generating 17.6 gigawatts of clean power and an additional 1.5 gigawatts from four conventional power plants. Additionally, 29 transmission projects and 24 microgrid system projects were certified as energy investments of national significance.

DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized the importance of timely development in energy infrastructure, stating that it is crucial for securing the nation’s energy future. By facilitating investments in power generation and transmission efficiently, the DOE aims to strengthen energy security and accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

The issuance of CEPNS was suspended in December 2020 but resumed in October 2023. With revised guidelines effective from April 2024, energy projects worth at least PHP3.5 billion can receive CEPNS if they are identified in the Philippine Energy Plan, which includes projects essential for grid stability and load growth.

According to DOE, significant projects granted CEPNS include the 1,000 MW San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Power Project by Copenhagen Infrastructure New Market Fund Philippines Corp., the 1,400 MW Pakil Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Project by Ahunan Power, Inc., and the 2,500 MWac Terra Solar Project by Terra Solar Philippines, Inc.

Projects granted CEPNS are assured of priority processing and expedited approvals from various permitting agencies and authorities. The revised framework also provides automatic CEPNS qualifications to renewable energy projects eligible under the Feed-in Tariff System, those selected through the Green Energy Auction Program, and projects aligned with the country’s energy transition goals.

Between 2017 and 2020, the DOE issued CEPNS to 149 energy projects worth PHP795 billion, with 133 projects now in the commercial stage and 16 in pre-development. The DOE continues to assess more projects under the CEPNS framework, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the country’s energy security, economic growth, and transition to a sustainable future.