The Department of Energy (DOE) has reaffirmed that the country’s coal moratorium policy remains in effect, saying there is currently no compelling need to lift restrictions on new coal-fired power projects.

In a media release dated May 8, the DOE said the coal moratorium imposed in December 2020 continues to be fully enforced despite calls to allow additional coal plant developments.

Under the policy, no new coal power projects may secure DOE endorsements after October 2020. However, projects previously granted Certificates of Non-Coverage may still proceed.

A Certificate of Non-Coverage is issued to projects that qualify for exemptions or were already considered sufficiently advanced before the moratorium took effect.

The DOE also noted that committed expansion projects and indicative coal projects with substantial accomplishments may still apply for non-coverage under the 2020 advisory.

In October 2025, the department issued a clarificatory advisory covering projects serving off-grid or island areas, critical mineral processing facilities, own-use projects within economic zones, and on-grid projects considered necessary to prevent an imminent power supply crisis.

Despite these exemptions, the DOE said existing coal plants already under development are expected to provide sufficient capacity to support grid reliability in the near term.

“At the same time, the government is intensifying efforts to expand renewable energy capacity, recognizing its long-term benefits in terms of affordability, reliability, energy security, and environmental sustainability,” the DOE explained.

The department also said it is reviewing indicative coal projects proposed before the moratorium to identify developments that may no longer be feasible. 

In addition, the DOE is assessing the performance of existing coal-fired power plants, particularly facilities that are aging, inefficient, or prone to unplanned outages. Plants found to be unreliable may be considered for voluntary retirement, repurposing, or transition to cleaner energy sources.

The department said the combination of already approved power projects and accelerated renewable energy development is expected to meet projected electricity demand without lifting the coal moratorium.

Do you think the Philippines can meet future electricity demand without approving new coal-fired power plants?

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