The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Supplemental Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Fifth Round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-5) covering fixed-bottom offshore wind, aiming to provide clearer guidance on timelines, documentation, and compliance requirements. 

In a media release dated January 29, the DOE said the Supplemental TOR was approved by the GEA Committee on January 22 following inter-agency and stakeholder consultations. The update builds on the original GEA-5 Notice of Auction and TOR issued in November 2025. The TOR serves as the rulebook that sets out the requirements and obligations for companies participating in the auction.

The DOE said the Supplemental TOR introduces procedural refinements intended to improve implementation efficiency. These include clearer submission requirements, updated timelines for notices and reports, and improved sequencing of compliance obligations to reduce overlaps during project development.

The updated TOR also strengthens coordination with institutions involved in project approvals and grid integration. These include the Energy Regulatory Commission and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. Additional guidance was provided on milestone monitoring, compliance validation, and performance security requirements.

The DOE stressed that the Supplemental TOR “does not modify the fundamental elements of GEA-5.” These include things such as the offered capacity, delivery years, eligible technology, auction mechanics and evaluation methodology, as well as the Supply Delivery Period and Green Energy Tariff framework.

The Green Energy Auction is a government-run bidding process where renewable energy developers compete to supply power under long-term contracts at fixed rates. GEA-5 remains the Philippines’ first offshore wind-exclusive auction, offering 3,300 megawatts of capacity from fixed-bottom offshore wind projects scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030. 

Issuing a Supplemental TOR at this stage allows the DOE to fine-tune implementation rules without changing the auction’s scale or timeline, providing greater clarity for developers as the country prepares for its first offshore wind auction while keeping core policy commitments intact.

The DOE advised developers to review the Supplemental TOR and its annexes together with the original GEA-5 TOR. Further announcements on the pre-bid conference and registration schedule will be issued separately.

Will clearer auction rules help keep the Philippines’ first offshore wind projects on track for timely delivery?

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