DOE gears up for solar auction this year

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April 18, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the urgent need to harness the country’s indigenous energy resources, the government is preparing to launch another auction, this time focused on expanding solar capacity.

The Department of Energy (DOE) intends to roll out the seventh green energy auction (GEA-7) this year, offering rooftop, ground-mounted and floating solar technologies.

The terms of reference for GEA-7, to be issued within the quarter, will provide prospective developers with the necessary guidelines to participate in the auction.

The DOE plans to allocate renewable energy capacities nationwide, with a significantly larger share for Mindanao – about five times the volume offered in previous auction rounds.

The move aims to encourage investments in the region, address rising energy demand and promote a more balanced and resilient national power system, the DOE said.

“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 said in a statement yesterday.

For the upcoming auction, rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects are targeted for delivery next year, while floating solar installations are scheduled to come online between 2027 and 2029.

The floating solar segment will include unsubscribed capacities from an earlier auction, ensuring the efficient utilization of previously allocated capacity. 

Ground-mounted solar projects under GEA-7 will also be required to be equipped with battery storage components to further strengthen grid stability and reliability. 

The DOE has urged all interested developers to join GEA-7 and register their projects as early as possible.

“Early registration is crucial to ensure project eligibility and qualification for the upcoming auction,” it noted.

Two GEA rounds are currently underway this year, covering offshore wind and waste-to-energy projects. The DOE has allocated 170 megawatts for WTE and 3,300 MW for offshore wind capacity.

Earlier, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin announced a 10-year GEA program aimed at increasing the share of renewables in the country’s power mix.

The Philippine Energy Plan targets a 35-percent renewable electricity share by 2030 from the current 25 percent.