DOE Philippines To Launch Green Energy Auction 4 In Q4, Integrating Renewable Energy And Storage

The Department of Energy (DOE) of the Philippines is set to conduct another round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA) in the fourth quarter of this year, known as GEA-4. This auction aims to include Integrated Renewable Energy and Energy Storage System (IRESS).

IRESS is an advanced energy solution that combines renewable energy technologies with energy storage systems (ESS). This integration involves pairing renewable energy sources with storage technologies such as batteries, flywheels, or pumped storage hydropower systems. By storing excess energy generated during peak production and using it when needed, IRESS reduces grid dependency, enhancing the stability and reliability of the energy system and ensuring a consistent and efficient power supply.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara stated that the DOE, in collaboration with development partners, is currently evaluating the design and economic viability of IRESS.

In light of the expected increase in renewable energy (RE) integration into the grid due to the GEA, the DOE is also considering incorporating liquefied natural gas (LNG) technologies for the upcoming GEA-4. The DOE will conduct various studies and simulations to assess the impacts on price, dispatch, contracts, energy, and capacity.

The DOE will soon release the indicative timeline for GEA-4 activities through the issuance of the Notice of Auction (NOA).

Over the past two years, the DOE has conducted two rounds of auctions, generating a total of 5,306 MW of RE capacities committed to deliver power between 2024 and 2026. Additional capacities will be auctioned in the third auction round within the third quarter of this year. GEA-3 specifically targets non-FIT eligible RE facilities, such as geothermal, impounding and pumped-storage, and run-of-river (ROR) hydro, which is a FIT eligible technology.

These ongoing developments and the outcomes of the auctions underscore the GEA program’s role in promoting increased use of renewable energy resources, contributing to the goal of achieving energy security and reliability in the Philippines.