The Department of Energy (DOE) has granted system impact studies (SIS) to 11 energy projects spread nationwide.
These projects, mostly consisting of renewable energy (RE), are set to undergo assessments that would determine if the power grid is feasible enough to allow new connections; this would also evaluate certain improvements needed in transmission lines, transformers, substations, and the like.
Based on a document released by the DOE, there are three pumped-storage hydropower projects, one hydropower project, five wind projects, one coal project, and one battery energy storage system (BESS) project endorsed to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) at the start of 2025.
The Maton pumped-storage hydroelectric power project in Apayao has the largest installed capacity among the approved assets for SIS, with 2,000 megawatts (MW).
The other approved pumped-storage hydroelectric projects include the San Roque Lower East and West pumped storage in Benguet, which have an 800 MW capacity each.
Three wind projects in Quezon that are approved for grid study include the 200 MW Real offshore wind farm, the 100 MW Silang Maragondon wind farm, and the 40 MW Pandan Labayat wind farm.
The 304 MW Gemini wind power project in Samar and the 200 MW Misor wind project were also granted SIS approval in January.
Another hydropower project included in the list is the 5.8 MW Mat-i 1 hydroelectric power plant in Misamis Oriental.
The Panitan BESS project, located in Capiz, would have a 20 MW or 40 megawatt-hours (MWh) capacity.
Last month, only one coal project was granted a grid impact study: the TPC 1B circulating fluidized bed coal power plant in Quezon, with an 82 MW capacity.
Earlier this month, the DOE announced offers for the third green energy auction (GEA-3), which included impounding hydropower, pumped-storage hydropower, and geothermal technologies.
According to the DOE, the bid capacity reached 7,530.887 MW, which is higher than the planned installation capacity of 4,560 MW.