Manila: Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to strengthening the government's waste-to-energy program, the Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday underscored the importance of the ongoing process towards the special auction round for this technology. According to Philippines News Agency, about 400 megawatts (WM) of waste-to-energy capacity have been included in the Green Energy Auction (GEA) program, with the auction set for October 13.
Proponents of the winning projects are expected to achieve mechanical completion by the end of 2028, and the power plants are expected to start delivering power by the end of 2029. "The President has underscored the need for a more integrated approach to addressing our waste challenges. Waste that can no longer be reused or recycled should not simply end up in landfills or waterways. Subject to strict environmental safeguards, appropriate residual waste can be converted into useful energy and contribute to our power supply," Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated.
The DOE reported that about 9,000 metric tons of municipal solid waste are generated in Metro Manila daily, with this volume estimated to produce 200 megawatts of power. However, it noted that the waste-to-energy (WTE) program is "intended to complement, not replace waste reduction, segregation, reuse, recycling, and material recovery under the country's solid waste management framework."
"Only acceptable residual wastes should be considered as feedstock for WTE facilities," the DOE emphasized. "We are moving WTE from policy into implementation. The President's renewed push gives further momentum to that work. Our task now is to identify viable projects, uphold the necessary environmental and technical standards, and move qualified facilities toward construction and eventual delivery of electricity to the grid," Garin added.
Meanwhile, the DOE highlighted progress in the government's nuclear energy program, which is showing improvements in policy, regulation, international cooperation, site assessment, financing preparations, and public acceptance. In his 5th State of the Nation Address in July, Marcos emphasized the need to reconsider nuclear energy to enhance the domestic power supply and help reduce electricity costs.
DOE Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo Bacordo highlighted the importance of ensuring that necessary measures are put in place for the nuclear energy bid. "Nuclear energy is not simply about deciding to build a power plant. We must build the institutions, the regulatory system, the technical capability, the financing framework, and the public confidence to support it. Our progress shows that the Philippines is putting those foundations in place," he said.
The DOE noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recognized the Philippines' progress in addressing the international body's recommendations, with the country addressing 9 of the 14 recommendations and 10 out of the 13 suggestions. The Philippines has completed Phase 1 of the IAEA Milestones Approach, which covers the considerations to commit to a nuclear program, and is preparing for Phase 2, which involves developing the necessary infrastructure to attract investors and financing pathways for power projects.
Phase 3 will focus on the infrastructure for commissioning and operating the power plants. "The objective is clear: to make sure that when the Philippines moves forward, we are institutionally, technically, financially, and regulatorily ready to do it safely and responsibly," Bacordo said.
The government, with assistance from South Korea, has completed the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) feasibility study. Other potential sites for nuclear power plants include Palawan, Masbate, Pangasinan, and Camarines Norte. National Power Corp. (NAPOCOR) President and CEO Jericho Jonas Nograles stated that the agency is capable of providing training for nuclear power plant operations. "The Filipino can do nuclear. But if nuclear is going to become part of the Philippine energy mix, we cannot wait for a new nuclear power plant to be under construction before we start developing our people," he said.
