The Department of Energy (DOE) will launch the seventh round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-7) this year as part of government efforts to accelerate renewable energy (RE) deployment, especially in Mindanao.

According to the DOE, the Terms of Reference (TOR) for GEA-7 is expected to be released by the second quarter of the year.

“GEA-7 will offer renewable energy capacities nationwide, with a strategic and significantly increased allocation for Mindanao, estimated at approximately five times the capacity offered in previous auction rounds,” the DOE said in a statement Friday.

The DOE added the auction is part of its efforts to stimulate investments in Mindanao, address growing energy demand, and promote a more balanced and resilient power system across the country.

The auction will cover solar rooftop, ground-mounted solar, and floating solar technologies.

Projects for solar rooftop and ground-mounted installations are targeted to commence delivery in 2027, while floating solar projects are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029.

The DOE said the floating solar component will also incorporate the unsubscribed capacities from the fourth Green Energy Auction (GEA-4), ensuring efficient utilization of previously allocated capacity.

To further enhance grid stability and reliability, the DOE will require all ground-mounted solar projects under GEA-7 to be integrated with battery energy storage systems.

“This requirement is expected to improve dispatchability and address the intermittency of solar energy, supporting a more secure and flexible power system,” the DOE said.

The DOE urged interested renewable energy developers to participate in GEA-7 and register their projects, noting that early registration is crucial to ensure project eligibility and qualification for the upcoming auction. (PNA)