Mindanao to See Over 2 GW of Renewable Energy in Next Auction

THE GOVERNMENT is planning to offer more than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity in the seventh green energy auction (GEA-7) round for solar and hydropower projects situated in Mindanao. In its draft terms of reference, the Department of Energy (DoE) said it will offer 505 MW worth of solar capacity for annual delivery over the next four years, totaling 2,020 MW. The bulk of the capacity will come from ground-mounted solar projects paired with battery energy storage systems, which account for 500 MW per year. “This requirement is expected to improve dispatch ability and address the intermittency of solar energy, supporting a more secure and flexible power system,” the DoE said. Meanwhile, a total of 5 MW will be allocated for rooftop solar installations. In addition to solar, the DoE is also targeting 120 MW of run-of-river hydro capacity, with a delivery period spanning 2028 to 2030. The DoE has said that the auction aims to stimulate investments in the region, address growing energy demand, and promote a more balanced and resilient power system across the country. Interested parties were invited to participate in the focus group discussion on the draft terms of reference scheduled on July 27. They can also submit comments and recommendations until the same date. GEA-7 forms part of the DoE’s 10-year GEA program that will offer at least 25 gigawatts (GW) of additional renewable energy capacity through annual competitive auctions. This aims to scale up the renewable energy portfolio to meet national targets of 35% renewable energy share by 2030 and 50% by 2040. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera