The Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing to launch its seventh Green Energy Auction (GEA-7), with a significant focus on expanding renewable energy capacity in Mindanao. The agency plans to release bidding terms this quarter, aiming to attract investments that will help meet growing electricity demand and create a more balanced national power grid.
"Through GEA-7, the DOE continues to foster a transparent, competitive and investor-friendly environment, paving the way for increased renewable energy capacity and a sustainable energy future for the Philippines," the agency stated.
Mindanao will receive approximately five times the renewable energy capacity offered in previous auction rounds, marking a strategic shift toward developing the region's clean power infrastructure. This increased allocation is designed to address regional electricity needs while supporting the country's broader renewable energy goals.
The upcoming auction will prioritize solar power technologies, including rooftop installations, ground-mounted systems, and floating solar projects. Ground-mounted solar developments will be required to incorporate battery energy storage systems (BESS) to store excess power and improve grid stability during peak demand periods.
Project timelines vary by technology, with solar rooftop and ground-mounted installations scheduled for delivery next year, while floating solar projects are expected to become operational between 2027 and 2029. The battery storage requirement for ground-mounted solar projects aims to address the intermittent nature of solar energy and enhance overall system reliability.
The Green Energy Auction program supports the Philippines' target of increasing renewable energy's share in the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030, up from the current 25 percent. The program provides fixed rates to winning bidders, creating predictable investment conditions for renewable energy developers.