DOE expediting approval of renewable energy projects — Marcos

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday guaranteed that the Department of Energy (DOE) would enforce measures that will hasten the approval of renewable energy projects.

Marcos made the assurance during the ceremonial switch-on of the Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants, the country’s first hybrid agro-solar and battery storage system.

''So, be assured that the Department of Energy will continue to implement measures that drive investments in the sector and expedite the approval of renewable energy projects,'' Marcos said in his speech.

''To our LGUs, I encourage you to strengthen your partnerships with investors so that more agro-solar projects can serve as models for both food and energy security,'' he added. 

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants include the Lumbangan and Luntal Power Projects, which will generate up to 197 megawatts of renewable energy, supported by a 320 megawatt-hour battery storage system that will ensure reliable power delivery.

The projects are expected to supply clean energy to around 158,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 265,000 tons on a yearly basis.

This is equivalent to removing thousands of vehicles from the road, the PCO said. 

Aside from energy production, Marcos said Citicore is also combining solar power generation with agriculture by using agrivoltaics—a method of planting crops beneath and around solar panels. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News