TAGUIG CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) yesterday (15 February) conducted the opening of Applications for the 3rd Open and Competitive Selection Process (OCSP3) which now allows for 100% foreign participation in large-scale geothermal exploration, development, and utilization projects.
Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi congratulated the DOE’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB) for the successful holding of the bidding yesterday that lasted for more than seven hours.
He also thanked the prospective investors for their interest in the development of the country’s RE resources.
“The DOE has been promoting RE development to both local and foreign investors. This will accelerate our energy transition towards sustainable development,” Secretary Cusi pointed out.
Towards the end of the bidding yesterday, the DOE received a total of 13 applications for 11 Pre-Determined Areas (PDAs) out of the 22 PDAs offered under the OCSP3.
For geothermal resources, PDA Nos. 1 (Daklan), 3 (Puting Lupa), and 5 (Mt. Labo), received five applications, while PDAs without applications are Nos. 2 (Acupan-Itogon), and 4 (Maricaban). All geothermal applications were found to have submitted complete documentary requirements.
On the other hand, one application was received for each PDA in hydropower resources for a total of eight PDAs, namely 1-7 (Amlan C, Amlan A, Hilabangan Upper Cascade, Hilabangan Lower Cascade, Maninila Lower Cascade, Maninila Upper Cascade, Tibiao), and 9 (Sibalom Middle Cascade). PDAs without applications are Nos. 8 (Dalanas), and 10-17 (Aklan River Lower East, Middle East and Upper West Tributaries; Vera Falls; Palali Falls; Coyaoyao Upper Cascade; Dapnan and Balintingon).
All applications for hydropower resources were found to be incomplete in documentary requirements. The applicants were given until 18 February 2021 to file for a Motion for Reconsideration.
In his opening remarks, Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy acknowledged the participants for their continuous support to the DOE’s initiatives in unlocking the country’s RE potential, as the country transitions to cleaner and sustainable energy supply.
“The time and effort that were put in by our participating bidders or applicants in the preparation and submission of their respective bids are deeply appreciated,” Assistant Secretary Uy said.
He further expressed that the government-private sector partnership is crucial in securing our energy future post-COVID19 pandemic.
“We are now entering the ‘New Normal.’ We want to transition from the ‘New Normal’ to a ‘Better Normal,’’ Assistant Secretary Uy said.
A total of 125 participants (66 peak viewers from FB live, 59 from MS Teams) attended the opening of RE applications.
Based on the prescribed timelines, the evaluation (legal, technical, and financial) of all bids is expected to be completed on 2 March 2021, while the awarding of RE Contracts is targeted on 14 April 2021.
The opening of OCSP3 applications culminated with the presentation of REMB Dir. Mylene C. Capongcol of the summary of the results in the determination documentary requirements' completeness.
******PLEASE SEE DETAILED TABLES ON RECEIVED APPLICATIONS FOR GEOTHERMAL AND HYDROPOWER ENERGY PROJECTS******
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