The Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing to launch the 7th round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-7), with a significantly expanded renewable energy allocation for Mindanao aimed at boosting investments and addressing growing power demand in the region.

The upcoming auction will offer renewable energy capacities nationwide, with Mindanao expected to receive around five times the capacity offered in previous rounds, showcasing a deliberate push to strengthen the region’s power supply.

The DOE said it is targeting the release of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for GEA-7 by the second quarter of 2026 to provide developers with the guidelines needed to participate in the auction.

GEA-7 will cover solar rooftop, ground-mounted solar, and floating solar technologies, with projects expected to begin delivering power as early as 2027. Floating solar projects, in specific, are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029.

A key feature of the upcoming round is the requirement for all ground-mounted solar projects to be paired with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), aimed at improving grid reliability and addressing the intermittency of solar power.

The DOE said the integration of storage systems is expected to enhance the dispatchability of renewable energy, supporting a more stable and flexible power system.

The auction will also incorporate unsubscribed capacities from the fourth Green Energy Auction (GEA-4), particularly for floating solar projects, to maximize the use of previously allocated resources.

The department is encouraging renewable energy developers to register their projects early to ensure eligibility and participation in the auction.

GEA-7 forms part of the government’s broader efforts to accelerate renewable energy deployment, attract private sector investment, and build a more balanced and resilient power system.

As the country ramps up renewable capacity, how effectively can expanded auctions and storage requirements support both growth and grid stability?

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