The Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced significant enhancements to support floating solar technology under the fourth round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-4), the agency said.
Floating solar, an emerging clean energy solution, utilizes bodies of water such as lakes, reservoirs and dams for solar panel installations. The DOE said it offers a unique opportunity to maximize land use efficiency, reduce water evaporation, and improve panel performance through natural cooling.
Reaffirming its commitment to innovation and renewable energy advancement, the DOE issued Advisory No. 2, reallocating 1,040 megawatts (MW) of installation target capacity previously scheduled for Luzon in 2026, distributing it across 2027, 2028 and 2029.
The DOE said this is designed to provide developers with greater preparation time, improve project feasibility, and support grid readiness for the specialized technology.
Recognizing regional demand and investor interest, the DOE also approved an additional 175 MW capacity for floating solar in the Visayas, scheduled for auction in 2027 and 2028.
The expansion opens new avenues for project development across the archipelago, particularly in areas with limited available land, the agency said.
“These measures mark a historic push toward integrating floating solar into the country’s mainstream renewable energy mix,” the DOE said in a statement.
“By proactively adjusting timelines and capacity allocations, the DOE is signaling strong institutional support for innovative RE solutions, while creating space for broader participation among developers and investors,” it said.
Under Advisory No. 1, released on May 28, 2025, the DOE introduced key procedural and technical enhancements across the broader GEA-4 framework.
Solar capacities should now be expressed in MWAC (Pmax) to represent the maximum stable load output, replacing the previous MWp unit.
Solar developers will be allowed to bid for either stand-alone solar or integrated solar + energy storage systems (ESS), regardless of their initial development scheme. The DOE said this is contingent on timely notice, submission of separate bid bonds, and possession of a valid renewable energy contract or certificate of authority.
The DOE clarified that ESS capacity is not required at the time of registration, and user-specific bidder IDs would be issued upon confirmation of project lot preferences. Winning bidders must submit detailed project designs that reflect the awarded scheme, it said.
The DOE said these comprehensive updates underscore its mission to deliver a transparent, competitive, and future-forward renewable energy auction system.
“As the Philippines targets 35 percent renewable energy share by 2030, the rollout of technologies like floating solar will play a transformative role in achieving a cleaner, more resilient energy future for all Filipinos,” the agency said.
