4 power projects classified of national significance

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy has issued certificates of energy project of national significance (CEPNS) to the 650-megawatt  Pagbilao combined cycle gas turbine power plant, 15-MW Masbate coal power plant, 1.2-MW biogas power plant and the 6-MW Pangasinan green atom waste-to-energy project.

The Pagbilao gas plant, owned by Energy World Corp. (EWC), was granted CEPNS for commerciality on Nov. 26.

EWC almost completed its project but has faced delays in operating the facility due to issues ranging from volatile liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, funding, regulatory obstacles and confusion over transmission arrangements, Fitch Solutions Macro Research said.

The Energy Regulatory Commission has approved EWC’s plan to develop a point-to-point transmission facility to connect its gas plant to the power grid.

The EICC also issued a CEPNS to DMCI Power Corp.’s 15-MW Masbate coal power plant, which is part of its commitment to the Masbate Electric Cooperative Inc. (MASELCO).

First Quezon Biogas Corp. also secured a CEPNS for its 1.2-MW biogas power plant in Candelaria, Quezon.

The plant—which is said to be the country’s first commercial biogas facility—will use chicken manure, rice straws, and other agricultural waste into useable energy that can augment the load requirements of the Luzon grid.

Green Atom Renewable Energy Corp.’s  6-MW Pangasinan Green Atom waste-to-energy project was endorsed by the provincial government early this year.

All these power projects will be entitled to all the rights and privileges under Executive Order 30.

As of Oct. 24, the DOE received a total of 309 applications to be declared as EPNS.

The CEPNS is intended to establish a simplified approval process and harmonize the relevant rules and regulations of all government agencies involved in the permitting process.

Signed by President Duterte in June 2017, EO 30 provides that government agencies concerned with energy projects should presume other agencies were able to act upon and issue their respective permits within a 30-day period.

If not acted upon five days after the lapse of 30 days, these projects are deemed approved.

To qualify under EO 30,  power generation and transmission projects are required to have a capital cost of P3.5 billion, significant contribution to the country’s economic development and significant consequential economic impact, among others.