PNOC urges gov’t to streamline permitting, licensing for RE projects

government-urged-to-streamline-permitting-licensing-for-re-projects

The Philippine National Oil Corp. (PNOC) Renewables Corp. is urging the government to streamline the process of permitting and licensing for renewable energy projects.

PNOC Renewables Corp. president Pedro L. Lite, Jr. said during a Senate hearing the renewable energy developers constantly experience delay in securing permits and licenses from government agencies before being able to begin construction of the RE projects.

Lite said the conflict between local and national government units “sometimes cause delay in the implementation” of projects. He said that despite there being clearance from LGUs, other agencies such as the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) posed hurdles.

He also suggested that RE projects should be prioritized as projects of national interest and significance.

Applying for the net metering system also delayed the company’s solar projects. Lite also suggested the 100 kilowatt-hour peak per facility should be increased within distribution utilities.