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Brix Lelis - The Philippine Star
February 11, 2025 | 12:00am
Latest DOE data showed that 149 projects secured certificates of energy projects of national significance (CEPNS) between May and December 2024, the majority of which are targeted for completion in the next two to five years.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued national significance certifications to P2.4 trillion worth of power generation and transmission projects to fast-track licensing and permit processing.
Latest DOE data showed that 149 projects secured certificates of energy projects of national significance (CEPNS) between May and December 2024, the majority of which are targeted for completion in the next two to five years.
Power generation projects with a total potential capacity of 19 gigawatts (GW) accounted for more than half of the total certified projects.
The DOE said 91 are renewable energy projects totaling 17.6 GW and four are conventional power plants with a combined capacity of 1.5 GW.
Similarly, CEPNS were also issued to 29 transmission projects, 24 microgrid system projects and one exploration project.
“The timely development of critical energy infrastructure is essential to securing our nation’s energy future,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
“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,” he said.
Among the certified power generation projects, the $4-billion MTerra Solar project of SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) is the biggest with an indicative capacity of 2,500 megawatts alternating current.
The project straddling the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan is poised to become the largest integrated solar facility in the world, providing clean and sustainable power to around 2.4 million households in Luzon.
Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan’s Meralco Group took over the project in 2023 after acquiring a controlling stake in SPNEC through MGen Renewable Energy Inc., a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corp.
Projects granted CEPNS status are expected to receive priority processing and expedited approvals from permitting agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units and other relevant authorities.
The issuance of CEPNS resumed in October 2023 after being suspended in December 2020. In April last year, the DOE revised the CEPNS framework to improve its implementation.
Under revised guidelines, major energy projects eligible for national significance certification are those identified in the Philippine Energy Plan, especially projects essential to boost grid stability and load growth.
The DOE grants CEPNS to energy projects with a significant capital investment of at least P3.5 billion. Such certifications remain valid until the project’s commercial operation date.
