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The Philippines is moving closer to commercial-scale waste-to-energy (WTE) development, with 14 projects from 11 qualified bidders set to compete in a government auction offering 400 megawatts (MW) of renewable power capacity.
The Department of Energy (DOE) said the qualified projects will proceed to a pre-bid conference on Sept. 15, followed by the auction proper on Oct. 13. Certificates of award are targeted for issuance between Dec. 16 and 18, according to Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara.
“We have 14 projects with 11 qualified bidders,” Guevara told reporters during a briefing on Monday.
The special Green Energy Auction for WTE is intended to expand the country’s renewable power supply while providing another avenue for dealing with mounting solid waste disposal requirements.
The DOE increased the capacity allocation for the auction to 400 MW from an earlier target of 230 MW, giving developers a larger opportunity to participate in what could become a significant new segment of the Philippine renewable energy market.
Tycoon-Owned Firms Join Race
Among the qualified bidders are companies linked to some of the country’s largest infrastructure and power groups.
Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc., the waste-management arm of Enrique Razon Jr.’s Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., is pursuing one potential bid. The company operates automated materials recovery facilities in Cebu and Pampanga with a combined processing capacity of 6,000 tons of solid waste daily.
MetPower Venture Partners Holdings Inc., backed by Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp., is also seeking one project under the auction. MetPower is developing an integrated solid-waste management facility in Iloilo City and operates biogas facilities.
Pan Pacific Renewable Power Phils. Corp. has two potential bids. San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Ramon S. Ang’s San Miguel Corp., owns a 40% stake in FPSP Holdings Corp., which in turn wholly owns Pan Pacific.
Other qualified participants are International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist Inc. and San Mateo Sanitary Landfill and Development Corp., with two potential bids each.
Green Atom Renewable Energy Corp., LECRA Eco Sustain Philippines Inc., Manila Integrated Environment Corp., Forza Development Corp., North Maharlika Energy Corp. and the City Government of Davao each have one potential bid.
The DOE finalized the list after evaluating registration documents and revised work programs submitted by prospective participants through the Green Energy Auction-Bids Evaluation and Awards Committee.
Projects Targeted For 2028-2029
Winning WTE projects are expected to begin commercial operations between 2028 and 2029, with project delivery targeted from September 2028 to March 2029.
The DOE previously postponed the auction to increase the capacity allocation and adjust key timelines, allowing developers more time to prepare projects that meet technical and financial requirements.
WTE technologies convert waste materials into usable forms of energy, including electricity, heat or fuel. Depending on the technology and feedstock, facilities can process municipal solid waste and other biodegradable materials such as agricultural waste or animal manure.
The government sees WTE as a potential way to address two pressing concerns at the same time: the need for additional electricity and the country’s growing waste management burden.
The auction is also part of a broader renewable energy expansion program. The DOE has outlined a 10-year Green Energy Auction pipeline aimed at bringing an additional 25 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity online between 2027 and 2035.
Upcoming Renewable Auctions
The WTE auction is one of several renewable energy procurement rounds being prepared by the government.
The fifth Green Energy Auction, or GEA-5, is expected to cover 3,300 MW of offshore wind capacity, with auction activities expected to resume in October and the auction proper targeted for December.
GEA-6 will offer 160 MW of biomass capacity, consisting of 40 MW of cogeneration and 120 MW of stand-alone projects. The DOE is also preparing an auction for 67.99 MW of hybrid solar and battery capacity across 20 off-grid sites, where existing diesel generators will provide backup.
Another round, GEA-7, will cover 2,000 MW of integrated renewable energy and energy storage systems, along with 20 MW of rooftop solar and 120 MW of run-of-river hydropower. GEA-8 is being lined up for 1,200 MW of onshore wind paired with battery storage, with deliveries targeted from 2031 to 2033.
Later auctions are expected to include agricultural and aquaculture solar projects, installations on underutilized government lands and irrigation canals, as well as additional hydropower, geothermal and other renewable technologies.
The expansion supports the government’s goal of raising renewable energy’s share of the country’s power mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, from around 25% currently.
Source:
https://tribune.net.ph/2026/09/07/14-wte-projects-clear-auction-hurdle