Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050 Vol I
1. Page 10 explains the summary of the methodologies used in the Energy Outlook.
In your opinion (and explain in detail), is a 50% target in RE share realistic for the
Philippines?
A 50% renewable energy share by 2040 is ambitious but achievable with strong policy,
investment, and infrastructure support. The Clean Energy Scenario projects RE dominating the
power mix, with wind, solar, and hydro playing major roles. However, challenges include grid
limitations, energy storage needs, and high investment requirements, with the CES requiring
₱28 to ₱31 trillion in funding. The 20 GW Battery Energy Storage System target by 2050 is
crucial for integrating variable RE sources. Policies like Renewable Portfolio Standards and the
Green Energy Auction Program are driving RE growth but require consistent implementation.
Natural gas as a transition fuel may slow the shift to RE if overused, so balancing investments is
key. With aggressive infrastructure upgrades, financing, and regulatory improvements, the 50%
RE target is realistic.
2. Page 10 explains the summary of the methodologies used in the Energy Outlook. In
your opinion (and explain in detail), how would a 50% EV penetration rate affect the
energy grid?
A 50% EV penetration rate by 2040 would significantly increase electricity demand, requiring
additional generation capacity and grid upgrades. Without smart charging management, EV
charging during peak hours could cause grid instability and distribution bottlenecks, especially in
urban areas. To maintain a 50% renewable energy share, integrating solar, wind, and over 20
GW of Battery Energy Storage Systems would be essential. Vehicle-to-Grid technology could
help balance supply and demand by using EVs as temporary energy storage. The transition
would also reduce the Philippines' dependence on imported oil, enhancing energy security
Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050 Vol II
1. Page 5 maps the service contracts for oil explorations in the Philippines. In
reference to our 3rd RRL question regarding the Philippine National Oil
Corporation (PNOC), how are service contracts determined, disseminated, and
executed in the Philippines and explain the PNOC’s part in this.
Service contracts for oil exploration in the Philippines are determined through the Philippine
Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCECP), which follows a transparent and
competitive licensing process under the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE issues service
contracts (SCs) through public bidding or direct negotiation, ensuring compliance with legal and
environmental regulations. These contracts are disseminated through official announcements,
industry roadshows, and international investment forums to attract potential investors. Once
awarded, SC holders must undergo exploration, development, and production phases under
DOE supervision to ensure adherence to contract terms. The Philippine National Oil Corporation
(PNOC), specifically its Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC), plays a vital role in SC execution
by holding and managing its own service contracts while also partnering with private entities in
upstream oil and gas development. PNOC-EC is involved in exploration and production projects
that contribute to national energy security and economic growth
2. Page 47 states the Expanded Roof-mounted Solar Program (ERSP) of the
Department of Energy. Related to the DOE DC2023-12-0035, explain how could this
policy affect your household in three key areas, namely (1) Supply Contingency
Option; (2) Lease-to-Generate Option; and (3) Restricted Peer-to-Peer Energy
Trading.
The Expanded Roof-mounted Solar Program provides households with new ways to benefit
from solar energy. The Supply Contingency Option allows homes to use solar power as a
backup energy source, reducing reliance on the grid during outages. The Lease-to-Generate
Option lets homeowners lease their rooftops to solar developers in exchange for lower electricity
costs or additional income. The Restricted Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading model enables
households to sell excess solar power to nearby users, but with limitations set by regulations.
These policies encourage greater energy independence and resilience, especially in areas with
frequent power interruptions. Households can also benefit from cost savings on electricity while
contributing to clean energy adoption. Overall, this policy supports a more decentralized and
sustainable energy system for Filipino households.
3. As future mechanical engineers, are you qualified to take the exams as
promulgated in DC2021-01-0001: Guidelines for the Qualifications, Assessment,
Registration and Certification of Energy Conservation Officers (CECO), Energy
Managers (CEM), and Energy Auditors (EA)? How could your knowledge in
mechanical engineering help in this certification?
Technically Yes, as future mechanical engineers, we can qualify for the certification exams
under DC2021-01-0001 after meeting the required experience and training. We need at least
two years of continuous hands-on experience and training in the installation, operation, and
maintenance of energy systems. Our mechanical engineering background in thermodynamics,
fluid mechanics, and heat transfer helps us analyze and optimize energy consumption. With
expertise in power generation, HVAC systems, and industrial processes, we can identify
inefficiencies and recommend conservation measures. After completing the two-year experience
requirement, we will be eligible to take the exams and obtain certification as a CECO, CEM, or
EA. This certification will enable us to contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability in various
industries.
4. Page 70 states the EV charging stations in compliance with DC2023-05-0011. In
your opinion, how would this circular affect the catch 22 of EV charging stations
and electric vehicles? DOes this limit the growth potential of EVs in the country?
The DC2023-05-0011 circular addresses the "catch-22" problem of EV charging infrastructure
and electric vehicle adoption by mandating the establishment of EV charging stations. By
requiring commercial establishments, government buildings, and transport hubs to install EVCS,
it helps alleviate range anxiety and encourages more consumers to consider EVs. The policy
also promotes private sector investment in charging networks, which is crucial for expanding
accessibility. However, the circular’s implementation challenges such as high installation costs,
grid upgrades, and slow permitting processes could limit the speed of infrastructure growth. If
charging stations remain concentrated in urban areas, rural and provincial EV adoption may lag
behind. While the policy creates a foundation for EV growth, sustained government support,
incentives, and streamlined regulations are needed to accelerate adoption
Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050 Vol III
1. Figure 4 in page 9 details the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Explain
how, a renewable energy project would undergo the EIA process in an
environmentally protected area.
A renewable energy project in an environmentally protected area must undergo the
Environmental Impact Assessment process under the Philippine Environmental Impact
Statement System . The process begins with screening and scoping to determine if the project
requires an Environmental Compliance Certificate and to identify key environmental concerns.
Next, the EIA study assesses potential impacts on biodiversity, land, water, and air quality, while
proposing mitigation measures through an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan .
The DENR then reviews the EIA report, seeking input from experts before making a decision. If
approved, an ECC is issued, allowing the project to proceed under specific environmental
conditions. A Multipartite Monitoring Team , including government agencies and local
stakeholders, ensures compliance throughout the project’s lifespan.
2. Page 32 details the government’s goal in improving energy resilience. Regarding
the 50% target RE energy share in Vol. I, how could this affect the resiliency of
local grids and the national grid as a whole in times of emergencies such as a
Super Typhoon?
50% renewable energy share can enhance the resiliency of local and national grids during
emergencies like Super Typhoons, but it also presents challenges. On the positive side,
distributed renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind with Battery Energy Storage
Systems ,can ensure continuous power supply in critical areas even if main transmission lines
fail. The DOE’s strategy for microgrids and islanding systems in off-grid and disaster-prone
areas further strengthens energy security. However, reliance on variable renewable energy
sources like solar and wind may pose risks if not backed by sufficient storage and flexible
backup generation, as VRE production can be unpredictable. Grid modernization and
transmission infrastructure upgrades are necessary to integrate large-scale RE and ensure
stability during extreme weather events
Philippine Development Plan 2023-2050
1. In our 3rd RRL, a question was raised about the missionary charges. Page 28
details the missionary grids in the Philippines. Explain how the current
government projects outlined in succeeding pages help in reducing missionary
grid areas in the country.
The Philippine government is actively working to reduce missionary grid areas by expanding
electrification programs, integrating renewable energy, and strengthening grid interconnections.
The Missionary Electrification Development Plan 2021-2025 prioritizes sustainable energy
access for off-grid areas, aiming to reduce dependence on costly diesel generators. The
National Power Corporation has committed to adding 32.81 MW of new power capacity, with
29.39 MW from renewable sources, to improve energy availability in remote locations.
Transmission and distribution expansion projects, including 418.35 circuit-km of new
transmission lines, will help integrate small island grids into the main power system. The
government is also rationalizing the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification to focus on
efficiency and cost reduction.
2. Page 29 outlines the various micro grid service providers in a certain missionary
grid. Why are there diesel power sources coupled with some renewable energy
sources in some micro grids? Explain. You can use one project in Table 19 as an
example.
Microgrids in missionary areas use a combination of diesel and renewable energy sources to
ensure reliability and stability in electricity supply. Diesel generators act as backup power
sources, providing electricity when solar or wind energy production is insufficient, especially at
night or during low-wind conditions. Hybrid systems help reduce fuel consumption and costs
while ensuring continuous power availability. For example, the Sitio Sabang microgrid in Puerto
Princesa, Palawan, operated by Sabang Renewable Energy Corporation (SREC), uses 1.452
MWp solar, 1.2 MW diesel, and 2.44 MWh battery storage to balance supply and demand. This
setup maximizes renewable energy use while relying on diesel for stability when needed
3. In the CEM simulations conducted from Page 60 onwards, why is there little to no
pump hydro in the grid, even in projections? Is pump hydro a potential
replacement or supplement for Battery Storage Systems?
The CEM simulations show little to no pumped hydro energy storage in the projections due to
several key factors, including high capital costs, long construction times, and site constraints.
Unlike Battery Energy Storage Systems, which can be rapidly deployed and installed almost
anywhere, pumped hydro requires suitable topography, such as reservoirs or mountainous
regions, making site selection difficult. The high variability of renewable energy in the
Philippines, particularly with increasing solar and offshore wind capacity, favors BESS due to its
faster response time and grid flexibility. However, pumped hydro could still serve as a
supplement to BESS for long-duration energy storage, providing stable and large-scale energy
reserves that can support grid stability. The CEM model prioritizes least-cost solutions, and
since BESS costs have been decreasing, they have become the preferred option for grid
storage. Additionally, policy and investment focus on BESS suggests that the government sees
it as the primary storage solution in the near term.
