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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider DOE stands by renewable energy projects in protected areas

DOE stands by renewable energy projects in protected areas

Published Sep 30, 2025 01:30 pm
Amid concerns over proposed renewable energy (RE) project in a protected landscape in Samar, the Department of Energy (DOE) clarified that energy infrastructure may proceed as long as it secures the necessary regulatory approvals.
In a statement on Tuesday, Sept. 30, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin explained that the agency and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are working together to ensure that developers vying for protected land comply with environmental laws and regulations.
“Renewable energy projects may be developed in any location, including protected areas, so long as all regulatory requirements have been complied with, including, crucially, an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the DENR,” she said.
This statement comes amid public concern over the proposed onshore wind project located in the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape.
Previously, Gemini Wind Energy Corp. (GWEC), a subsidiary of the Singaporean firm Vena Energy, disclosed plans to build the 304-megawatt (MW) Gemini wind power project in Northern Samar.
The project, valued at about ₱20 billion, will span across 777 hectares and is slated to begin operations by the fourth quarter of 2026.
The project has already won in the second round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-2), received a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CEPNS), and was granted a green lane certification from the Board of Investments (BOI).

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Department of Energy (DOE) renewable energy (RE)
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