THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) has cleared 12 power generation projects to conduct studies assessing their impact on the country’s transmission system as they plan to add about 1,191 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity in the coming years.

Based on latest DoE data, the company with the biggest proposed capacity is Solar Philippines Commercial Rooftop Projects, Inc., which is planning to put up four solar power plants, three of which has a capacity of 300 MW each.

Solar Philippines plans to build a solar plant in Medelin, Cebu and two others in Iba-Palauig, Zambales. The fourth project, with a capacity of 100 MW, is to be built in Tarlac City, Tarlac, bringing the capacity of the company’s new projects at 1,000 MW.

The DoE clearance covers the two months into the fourth quarter of 2017, which also include a 45-MW solar project by Phinma Energy Corp.

In July, Phinma Energy was cleared for four new projects with a total capacity of 925.6 MW that will mark the company’s move to diversify its power generation portfolio to include gas and hydropower, company officials said.

“With all the coal plants being planned, you’ll have enough for 2025,” said Francisco L. Viray, Phinma Energy president and chief executive officer, about the company’s plan to try other technologies.

Next to Solar Philippines, the company with the most number of proposed projects is General Milling Corp., which is planning to build three diesel-fired power facilities at the GMC Complex in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. These three will have a combined capacity of 8.5 MW.

Two other entities secured clearance to conduct grid impact studies to build solar plants, namely: Puente Al Sol, Inc. with a 70-MW facility in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental; and Energence Renewable Energy Corp. with a 35 MW in Clark Freeport Zone in Clark, Pampanga.

Philnew Hydro Power Corp. and Isabela Power Corp. complete the latest DoE list with their respective hydropower plants.

Philnew Hydro sought approval for a 14 MW facility in Tumauini, Isabela while Isabela Power 19 MW in San Mariano and San Guillermo, Isabela. — Victor V. Saulon

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