The Department of Energy (DOE) said Monday it issued certificates of energy projects of national significance (CEPNS) to 149 power generation and transmission projects from May to December 2024, with potential investments of P2.4 trillion.
These certified projects are expected to contribute 19 gigawatts (GW) of additional power generation capacity, including 17.6 GW from 91 renewable energy projects and 1.5 GW from four conventional power plants.
The DOE also granted CEPNS to 29 transmission projects, 24 microgrid system projects and one exploration project. Most of these projects are set to be completed in the next two to five years.
“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.
The DOE identified the top three large-scale projects as the 1,000-megawatt San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Power Project, which is 100-percent foreign-owned by CI NMF (PH) Corp., the 1,400-MW Pakil pumped-storage hydroelectric power project of Ahunan Power Inc. and the 2500-MWac Terra Solar Project of Terra Solar Philippines Inc. led by Meralco PowerGen Corp.
The issuance of CEPNS was suspended in December 2020 and resumed in October 2023.
The DOE said that prior to the suspension of CEPNS issuance covering the period 2017 to 2020, it approved similar 149 energy projects with a total investment of P795 billion.
Among these, 133 projects reached the commercial stage, while 16 are in pre-development.
About 52 of the 133 commercial-stage projects secured all required permits, while four of 16 pre-development projects completed their permitting requirements. The remaining projects are in various stages of permit applications, with 40 EPNS projects have yet to secure any permits.
It said of the 149 previously certified EPNS, 57 are transmission projects in the commercial stage.
The DOE issued Department Order No. DO 2024-04-0003 in April 2024, which redefines and revises the CEPNS framework to enhance its implementation.
Under the revised guidelines, major energy projects eligible for CEPNS certification are those identified in the Philippine Energy Plan including power generation, transmission, distribution and ancillary services essential for grid stability and load growth.
