WTE auction capacity increased to 400 MW

As DOE speeds up technology rollout

MANILA, Philippines — More capacity is now up for grabs in the country’s waste-to-energy (WTE) auction, with the government raising the installation target and giving companies a longer runway to complete bid requirements.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has increased the capacity offered under the special auction round to 400 megawatts from the original 230 MW to accelerate the deployment of WTE technologies.

The DOE has also extended key project development timelines to give developers more time to build financially viable and technically sound WTE facilities.

Under the revised schedule, mechanical completion is now set for December 2028, while the start of power delivery has been moved to December 2029.

The registration period for qualified suppliers has likewise been extended until July 31, providing interested bidders additional time to meet auction requirements.

To encourage broader participation, companies awarded WTE or biomass operating contracts on or before the end of the registration period will also be eligible to participate in the auction.

“With the extension of timelines and increase in capacity, the DOE aims to ensure the widest possible participation in the WTE auction, fostering competition and enabling the successful rollout of innovative WTE solutions,” the agency said.

To formalize the changes, the DOE is expected to issue amended supplemental terms of reference that incorporate the increased capacity allocation, revised project timelines and other adjustments to the auction framework.

The announcement of key updates comes just days after the DOE suspended all activities and proceedings related to the special WTE auction.

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

The adoption of WTE is mandated under Republic Act 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

Earlier, the Energy Regulatory Commission approved and adopted a maximum offer price of P9.2959 per kilowatt-hour for the WTE auction, 16 percent higher than the initially proposed P8.0167 per kWh.

The higher ceiling price gives power companies participating in the auction more flexibility in valuing their projects.

The final auction price, the regulator noted, was set after “due deliberation and careful consideration” of the views and comments submitted by various stakeholders, including energy firms.