The Department of Energy (DOE) has endorsed 11 new power projects, totaling 4,500 megawatts (MW), for System Impact Study (SIS) approval by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). These projects, which include hydropower, wind, coal, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), are set to bolster the country’s energy capacity and strengthen grid reliability.
The SIS assessment is a crucial step in integrating these power facilities into the national transmission network, as it evaluates their potential impact on the stability and efficiency of the grid. The DOE’s endorsements, issued in January 2025, reflect the government’s commitment to diversifying the Philippine energy mix and ensuring a sustainable and resilient power supply.
Among the largest projects given SIS endorsement is Pan Pacific Renewable Power Philippines Corporation’s 2,000 MW Maton pumped storage hydropower project, which will be built in Pudtol and Kabugao, Apayao.
Another major hydropower development includes San Roque Hydropower Inc.’s (SRHI) twin pumped storage facilities in Itogon, Benguet, which consist of the 800 MW San Roque Lower East Hydro Project and the 800 MW San Roque West Hydro Project. SRHI is a subsidiary of San Miguel Global Power Holdings, one of the country’s leading power producers.
In addition to hydropower, the DOE also endorsed several wind energy projects, including the 304 MW wind farm by Gemini Wind Energy Corporation and three wind projects by Airstream Renewables Corporation, which is owned by NexGen Energy Corporation. These include the 200 MW Real offshore wind project in Quezon, the 100 MW Silang Maragondon wind farm in Quezon, and the 40 MW Pandan Labayat wind project in Quezon.
Other endorsed projects include the 82 MW circulating fluidized bed coal plant by Toledo Power Co. in Toledo City, Cebu, the 20 MW/30 MWh Panitan battery energy storage system by EcoSolar Energy Corporation in Capiz, and the 5.82 MW Mat-i 1 hydroelectric project by Philnew Hydro Power Corporation in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Additionally, the 200 MW Misor wind power project in Misamis Oriental, led by Northmin Renewables Corporation, has also been cleared for SIS evaluation.
The DOE emphasized that the SIS approval process is a crucial step in assessing how these projects will impact the national grid, particularly as the country moves toward a higher share of renewable energy in its power mix.
The government has set a target of increasing the share of renewable energy to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, and these endorsed projects align with that vision. The inclusion of large-scale wind and hydropower developments signals a strong push toward sustainable and low-carbon energy production. The diversity of energy sources in the endorsed projects, ranging from renewables like hydro and wind to battery storage and conventional coal, reflects a strategic approach to ensuring energy security while balancing environmental sustainability.
Following the DOE’s endorsement, these projects will undergo NGCP’s System Impact Study (SIS), which will determine their technical viability and potential effects on the grid. Successful completion of the SIS is a prerequisite for securing final approvals and moving forward with construction and grid integration. The next steps involve project proponents working closely with NGCP to meet the necessary technical and regulatory requirements. Once approved, these projects will contribute significantly to the country’s power capacity, supporting economic growth and energy security.
How do you think these new energy projects will shape the future of the Philippines’ power sector? Do you believe that the country is making enough progress toward its renewable energy targets? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow Power Philippines for the latest updates on energy development!
