The Department of Energy (DOE) included the proposed solar farm in Sarangani province in the list of energy projects of national significance, which makes it qualified for the benefits that come with the certification.
The Energy Investment Coordinating Council (EICC) has notified Total Power, Inc. that its 100 MW peak TPI Sarangani Solar Power Project has been awarded the certificate of energy project of national significance (CEPNS).
The said project is currently in its pre-development phase and is set to benefit from the rights, terms, and conditions extended to those with a CEPNS, such as the 30-working day period action on the application.
The EICC sent the written notification to Total Power president and chief executive officer Jack Tan December last year. The company is the 10th project to be awarded the certificate.
The EICC was created in accordance to Executive Order 30 in order to lead and coordinate efforts to harmonize, integrate, and streamline the regulatory processes and required forms in terms of development of nationally significant energy investments.
The council is being lead by a DOE representative and also composed of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Electrification Administration, and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, and National Power Corp.
Also included in the council is the Department of Finance, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board and other agencies that may be deemed needed.
Aquino informed the energy firm that the project will be considered approved if no decision was made five days after the lapse of the 30-working day period for processing the application.
Tan was required to submit a CEPNS monitoring document every 10th of the succeeding month to the EICC stating the progress of the implementation following the permitting requirements.
If there are irregularity and violations in the conditions, the DOE has the power to amed, alter, or revoke the CEPNS, Tan said.
To qualify as a nationally significant project, the project needs a capital investment of P3.5 billion; contribution to the country’s economic development;economic impact; and potential contribution to the country’s balance of payment, among others.