The Department of Energy (DOE) has endorsed 11 new power projects, amounting to a total capacity of 4,500 megawatts (MW), for System Impact Study (SIS) approval by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). This move is expected to enhance the country’s power infrastructure, ensuring greater energy reliability and diversification.
The endorsed projects span various energy sources, including hydropower, wind, coal, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The DOE’s decision, issued in January 2025, highlights the government’s continued focus on strengthening the national grid while promoting sustainable energy development.
Among the largest projects is the 2,000 MW Maton pumped storage hydropower facility in Apayao, spearheaded by Pan Pacific Renewable Power Philippines Corporation, a subsidiary of Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC) under SM Investments Corporation.
San Roque Hydropower Inc. (SRHI), a subsidiary of San Miguel Global Power Holdings, has also received endorsements for its twin pumped storage projects in Benguet: the 800 MW San Roque Lower East Hydro Project and the 800 MW San Roque West Hydro Project.
Wind energy projects were another major focus of the DOE’s approvals. Gemini Wind Energy Corporation received an endorsement for a 304 MW wind farm, while Airstream Renewables Corporation, a subsidiary of NexGen Energy Corporation, secured approvals for three wind projects in Quezon: the 200 MW Real offshore wind project, the 100 MW Silang Maragondon wind farm, and the 40 MW Pandan Labayat wind project.
Other notable developments include Toledo Power Co.’s 82 MW circulating fluidized bed coal plant in Cebu, EcoSolar Energy Corporation’s 20 MW/30 MWh Panitan battery energy storage system in Capiz, and Philnew Hydro Power Corporation’s 5.82 MW Mat-i 1 hydroelectric project in Misamis Oriental. Additionally, Northmin Renewables Corporation’s 200 MW Misor wind power project in Misamis Oriental was also endorsed for SIS evaluation.
The SIS approval process, overseen by NGCP, will determine how these projects impact grid stability and efficiency. This is a critical phase in ensuring that the new power facilities can be safely integrated into the country’s transmission network.
The Philippine government has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for a 35% share of renewables in the energy mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040. The latest endorsements reflect a strategic push toward meeting these goals by incorporating large-scale renewable energy projects into the grid.
Once these projects pass the SIS assessment, they will proceed to the final approval stage, leading to construction and eventual grid integration. Their successful implementation is expected to significantly enhance the country’s energy capacity, contributing to long-term energy security and economic growth.
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