He Department of Energy it identified 369 areas without electricity service or with insufficient supply, covering approximately 101,468 households, which could be incorporated into future microgrid tenders.
The DOE expands its portfolio of microgrid projects
He Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) identified a preliminary list of 369 zones distributed across 23 provinces which could be included in future microgrid tenders. In total, these areas comprise approximately 101,468 households that still lack electricity or receive limited service.
The initiative seeks to accelerate the preparation of electrification projects in remote communities and, at the same time, make it easier for potential microgrid service providers to assess the technical conditions of each location in advance.
Furthermore, the early publication of these zones will allow developers to analyze investment needs, demand characteristics, and potential technical configurations before the next funding rounds Competitive Selection Process (CSP).
Microgrids for remote communities in the Philippines
The provinces included in the list are Palawan, Cebu, Masbate, Samar, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Antique and Bohol, in addition to various territories in Mindanao and Eastern Visayas.
For the DOE, the development of microgrids represents an alternative to expand access to electricity in communities where connecting to large conventional grids is more difficult.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin explained that having electricity in these areas has a direct impact on education, economic activity, health services, and communications.
For families in remote and hard-to-reach communities, electricity means much more than just having light, it drives education, livelihoods, health services, communications, and economic opportunities.
Sharon S. Garin, The Secretary of DOE.
The official added that the program seeks to bring a electricity supply reliable and affordable to these communities, while creating a clear pathway for the participation of qualified investors.
The 369 zones still need to pass a validation process
The relationship announced by the DOE this does not constitute the final list of projects that will be put out to tender. Before each round of the CSP, the zones may be validated, reclassified, grouped, modified, incorporated or removed based on new technical information, consultations with local stakeholders and regulatory criteria.
For this reason, the final number of sites included in each competitive process may vary, the department will publish a final list before each relevant round and will also release the schedules, bidding guidelines, and other requirements that participants must meet.
The Microgrid Systems Act establishes the framework for tenders
The initiative is part of the implementation of the revised standards of the Microgrid Systems Act, legislation aimed at facilitating the development of electricity supply systems in areas without service or with insufficient coverage.
The regulatory framework uses the CSP to select microgrid service providers, known as MGSP, who will be able to develop and operate projects in the defined areas.
By disclosing potential sites in advance, the DOE seeks to improve proposal preparation and reduce uncertainty before the start of the bidding process.
In addition, localities that are not ultimately included in a given round may still be considered for electrification projects through unsolicited proposals, provided they comply with the applicable rules.
UK PACT supports the preparation of new projects
In parallel, the DOE is working alongside the British program Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) to strengthen the technical preparation of projects and reduce risks during their development stage.
As part of this cooperation, 10 areas without service in Camarines Sur and Palawan they have already undergone detailed evaluation and validation processes. A second phase is currently being prepared, which will involve studying between 15 and 25 additional zones without electricity service or with limited coverage.
The combination of technical validation, advance planning, and competitive processes seeks to progressively expand electrification in regions of the Philippines where significant energy access gaps still persist.
Source: Power Philippines
Photo: Shutterstock
