AboitizPower to intensify RE drive with GEA-4 bid
Aboitiz Power Corporation has announced its interest in participating in the Department of Energy's (DOE) fourth round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-4), aiming to significantly expand its renewable energy (RE) portfolio.
Leo Lungay, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) vice president and general manager for solar and wind business, stated that participating in the GEA-4 program aligns with the company's plan to expand its solar integration beyond traditional ground installations.
GEA-4 focuses on solar technologies, such as ground-mounted, rooftop, floating, and integrated solar with energy storage systems (ESS), as well as onshore wind.
“With respect to GEA-4, there are intentions to participate, part of which is the IRESS,” Lungay told reporters during a solar plant tour briefing last week. IRESS refers to integrated renewable energy storage systems, such as solar plants that incorporate battery storage.
He further explained, “We’ve been doing this [solar] for quite some time. It’s a very mature technology. While IRESS isn’t as prevalent [as it is] in the Philippines, it’s not totally an immature technology.”
The DOE's Terms of Reference (TOR) indicate that the Visayas region has the highest targeted IRESS capacity, set at 100 megawatts (MW) for installation by 2026 and 2027.
Beyond IRESS, ARI is also exploring potential developments in floating solar projects. “We’re largely considering it [that kind of technology]. It’s not outside our radar to do this,” Lungay stated.
He noted, “We already have eight floating solar [in North Luzon]… There are only a few that are available, and perhaps those available areas have owners.”
The DOE has scheduled the GEA-4 auction for Sept. 2, 2025, with the list of winning bidders expected to be released by Oct. 22, 2025.