DOE to auction waste-to-energy projects in early 2026
The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to hold a waste-to-energy (WTE) auction in January next year as part of government push to strengthen energy security, improve waste management, and lessen flood risks.
In a statement on Thursday, Oct. 9, the DOE announced a “special auction” round for WTE projects that will use waste feedstock sourced from Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities. The agency has set a target completion date for the fourth quarter of 2027.
“Based on 2024 Solid Waste Generation data of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), Metro Manila and [highly urbanized cities] generate an estimated 6.12 million metric tons of municipal solid wastes, equivalent to 335 MW base load,” the DOE statement read.
The DOE is scheduled to release the official notice of auction and terms of reference later this month. A separate nationwide auction for biomass and WTE technologies is also slated for the second quarter of next year.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has previously said the necessity of more WTE facilities, noting that frequent leadership transitions in local government units (LGUs) could complicate their rollout.
However, she expressed optimism that the passage of the WTE Act (Senate Bill No. 2267) could ensure consistency by clustering LGUs to secure stable waste procurement for projects.
Interest in WTE facilities is building despite years of regulatory delays.
Last August, Indian engineering firm Uttamenergy Ltd. signed a $70 million deal with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to build a WTE facility in New Clark City.
The project is expected to process 600 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily, converting it into approximately 12 megawatts (MW) of energy.
Separately, in June, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. disclosed the interest of Japan’s Kanadevia Corp. in investing in a WTE project. Kanadevia is partnering with local solid waste management firm Phil. Ecology Systems Corp. (PhilEco) and is eyeing Smokey Mountain as the site for their flagship initiative.