The Department of Energy (DOE) has expanded the installation target for the Special Auction Round for Waste-to-Energy (WTE) under the Green Energy Auction Program from 230 megawatts (MW) to 400 MW.

The increased target will cover thermal combustion waste-to-energy projects, which generate electricity by using waste as fuel. The DOE said the expansion is meant to accelerate waste-to-energy deployment while supporting the country’s clean energy transition and solid waste management objectives.

The agency also revised key project timelines to give developers more time to prepare financially viable and technically sound projects.

Under the updated schedule, mechanical completion has been extended to December 2028, while the delivery commencement date has been moved to December 2029. 

The delivery commencement date refers to when a project is expected to start supplying its committed capacity under the auction.

The DOE also extended the registration period for qualified suppliers until July 31, 2026, giving interested participants more time to comply with auction requirements.

Registrants awarded with a Waste-to-Energy Operating Contract or Biomass Energy Operating Contract on or before the end of the registration period will be eligible to join the auction.

The DOE said the longer timelines and higher capacity target are intended to ensure wider participation, foster competition, and support the rollout of waste-to-energy projects.

WTE developments typically require longer preparation periods because developers must secure permits, technology partners, financing, and waste supply arrangements before projects can move forward.

To implement the changes, the DOE will issue an amendment to Department Circular No. DC 2026-04-0011 and the Supplemental Terms of Reference for the auction.

The amendments will reflect the revised capacity, extended timelines, and other necessary adjustments to the auction parameters.

The special auction round forms part of the DOE’s broader effort to integrate waste-to-energy facilities into the country’s power generation mix under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050.

With a higher 400-MW target and longer development timeline, can the DOE attract enough viable waste-to-energy projects to support both clean power supply and solid waste management goals?

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