RENEWABLE ENERGY (RE) developers asked the Department of Energy on Wednesday to review the project application process to eliminate unnecessary steps that hinder investment.

Going forward, “the Department of Energy (DoE) can make it a bit easier for developers (by) revisiting the processes (and determining) is relevant, what is less relevant. I think we can also shorten certain processes in terms of priorities,” MRC Allied, Inc. Chief of Public Relations and Business Development Maria May P. Militante said at Philippine Solar PV Energy virtual summit on Thursday.

Ms. Militante noted that a typical application requires 179 signatures.

“It’s a constant dialogue between the private sector and the government so a continuous revisiting of all the policies would entice participation in the industry,” she said.

MRC Allied, Inc., a listed property developer, has branched out into renewables with a proposed $16.6-million 12 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic park in Central Luzon.

Other developers welcomed DoE initiatives such as the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), which gives users with power demand of 100 kilowatt-hours the option to source power from accredited RE suppliers.

Fort Pilar Energy, Inc. President Joseph Omar A. Castillo said the DoE’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) has the potential to jumpstart the solar industry.

Mr. Castillo added that the program also makes it easier for developers to secure financing as it offers a bankable business model.

“The micro grid law can also (spur) investment,” he added.

The GEAP aims to promote RE as a primary source of energy by offering users a competitive selection option for their power providers.

Republic Act 11646 or the Microgrid Systems Act was signed into law on Jan. 21, authorizing the DoE to certain areas as unserved and underserved, paving the way for the entry of microgrid service providers.

The Philippines hopes to bring the share of RE in its power generation mix to 35% by 2030. — Marielle C. Lucenio

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