The Department of Energy (DOE) is intensifying efforts to prevent delays in renewable energy (RE) initiatives, with plans to cancel more projects by end-2024 after terminating over 100 projects last month for failing to meet deadlines.
In a report by Manila Bulletin, Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin said that the energy department is enforcing stricter monitoring of project timelines.
She explained that the DOE aims to discourage developers from securing service contracts only to delay or sell them without action.
In October, the DOE began canceling 105 RE projects, with 88 still in the pre-development stage. Among these, 53 were solar projects, followed by 17 hydropower projects, five geothermal initiatives, and three biomass ventures.
Hurdles like land acquisition and grid connection were identified as major barriers to progress.
Garin cautioned that inactive developers hinder the country’s energy potential and deprive other capable firms of opportunities.
To improve oversight, the DOE is creating a digital system to automate contracts and conduct thorough audits.
