Lack of Clear Rules on Renewables Stalls Wind Development in the Philippines

Lack of clear-cut policies on the renewable energy sector hinder the further development of the wind sector in the Philippines, according to Vestas of Denmark, the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturer.

In a position paper, Vestas said the development of renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, is nearly at a standstill in the near-term due to the current policy vacuum, which follows the full allocation of the first two rounds of feed-in tariff (FIT) and the freeze of an expected third round of FIT.

Philippine Renewables Outperform Regional Peers, but Policy Uncertainty Looming -- BMI Research

The Philippines has outperformed its regional peers in terms of renewable energy development, but policy uncertainty under the project is likely to cause headwinds in capacity expansion, a research firm said on Monday.

The uncertainty can see the country’s “fairly strong” score for energy policy falling over the coming quarters, BMI Research said in a statement on Monday, referring to its risk/reward index (RRI).

Senator Santiago to Philippine Govt: Fast Track Implementation of Renewable Energy Policy

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Friday urged the government to fast track and "wholeheartedly" implement renewable energy policies in the country.

At a conference in Makati on Wednesday, Santiago said the Philippines has a "huge" potential for the use of renewable energy.

"As the situation stands, our renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, ocean, small hydro, and geothermal are no less than abundant," she said.

Philippines: RE developers concerned over removal of incentives

RENEWABLE-energy developers are concerned over the possible removal of incentives given under the Renewable Energy Act should the proposed Senate bill that aims to rationalize incentives be approved.

Peregrino Fernandez, Renewable Energy Developers Caucus convener, said he is saddened by the development, especially in the face of rising oil prices.

“We have repeatedly said renewable energy is an investment for the future, a hedge on expensive fossil fuel. The longer we wait, the more burden the economy carries on its back,” Fernandez said.

The draft of the Senate bill, known as the Consolidated Investments Incentives Code of the Philippines, says only export-oriented companies will be given incentives.

Philippines: The President’s renewable energy policy

Energy Secretary Rene Almendras returned a day ahead of President Noynoy Aquino last week from Japan. Despite his abbreviated stay, many are hoping that Secretary Almendras’ visit to the Land of the Rising Sun would have convinced him further that he is doing the right thing by pushing the President’s strong pro-renewable energy policy.

Policy problems hamper Philippine renewables growth

Renewable energy is making progress in the Philippines but is fraught with difficulties, including a long delay in finalizing a feed-in-tariff (FIT) policy. And the solar industry accusing the government of policies which are hampering investment.

One bright side, however, a major player in the geothermal sector has announced six new development projects. Geothermal already generates 27 percent of the country's electricity.