Ten power projects are looking to be declared as “Project of National Significance” by the Department of Energy under Executive Order (EO) 30.
Among the 10 projects include the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project (VMIP), DOE undersecretary Jesus Posadas said in a report by BusinessMirror.
“These 10 must comply with the necessary requirements,” he said but no longer identified the other projects that applied for “of national significance.”
The VMIP will connect the Visayas and Mindanao grids – which is a part of the government’s vision to connect all major grids in the country to form one national grid – is seen to be completed in 2020 with an estimated cost of P52 billion.
Meanwhile, Secretary Alfonso Cusi said that a certain power project is close to being declared as a project of national significance.
“There is already a company. I just want to make sure nothing can be said against this,” Cusi said. “I think it’s a geothermal project. It is still under thorough evaluation, including the background.”
The more than 100-megawatt geothermal project, Cusi added, is located “in the north.”
Under EO 30, applications from concerned government agencies for permits on Energy Projects of National Significance (EPNS) shall be acted upon within a 30-day period. Should there be no decision made within the given period, the project is deemed approved by the agency involved.
“It is the policy of the State to ensure a continuous, adequate and economic supply of energy. Hence, an efficient and effective administrative process for energy projects of national significance should be developed in order to avoid unnecessary delays in the implementation of the Philippine Energy Plan,” the EO said.
