DOE targets 170 MW for waste-to-energy auction

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is gearing up to offer 170 megawatts (MW) of capacity under the special green energy auction (GEA) round for waste-to-energy (WTE) projects.

Based on the preliminary terms of reference, the installation target for this auction will be divided into five lots strategically located across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

In Luzon, the DOE aims to attract 120 MW of capacity from pioneer WTE projects that will utilize municipal solid waste from Metro Manila.

Visayas and Mindanao will each host two lots, targeting 20 MW and 30 MW of capacity, respectively.

Bacolod and Cebu will supply the waste feedstock for the Visayas projects, while Mindanao facilities will source from Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

A WTE technology converts biodegradable materials such as animal manure or agricultural waste into usable energy.

The special auction is scheduled for January 2026, with completion slated for the fourth quarter of 2027. The pioneer WTE projects are expected to start delivering power to the grid by 2028.

According to the DOE, incorporating WTE projects into the GEA framework is a critical step toward ensuring energy security while advancing environmental protection.

Beyond boosting power supply, the DOE is positioning WTE projects as a strategic solution to the country’s persistent flooding challenges.