{
  "id": 6302069,
  "title": "DOE targets 160 MW from biomass auction",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/doe-targets-160-mw-from-biomass-auction",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-08T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Philippine Star Business",
    "slug": "philippine-star-business",
    "url": "https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/09/09/2554887/doe-targets-160-mw-biomass-auction"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that it will auction 160 megawatts (MW) of biomass capacity, with the highest bid price to be disclosed in October. This sixth green energy auction (GEA-6) round includes 120 MW of standalone biomass capacity and an additional 40 MW of co-generation capacity. The delivery dates for the projects range from July 2027 to December 2030. Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara revealed these details, noting that the Energy Regulatory Commission will release the GEA reserve price or maximum allowable bid on October 1. A biomass facility, as per the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, utilizes organic materials like agricultural residues and animal waste to generate heat, steam, mechanical power, or electricity. These facilities can be standalone or co-generation types. Standalone projects generate electricity for the grid, while co-generation facilities produce power along with useful heat or steam for industrial processes. The certificates of award to successful bidders are expected to be issued early the following year. The GEA program aims to boost investments in renewables as the Philippines accelerates its energy transition, with the government aiming to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 from the current 25 percent. While renewables are a priority, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin emphasized the potential of nuclear power to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply. The Philippines is open to developing both small modular reactors and traditional nuclear power plants. The government had initially targeted at least 1,200 MW of commercially operational nuclear capacity by 2032; however, this timeline may be delayed until 2035.",
  "summary": "The Department of Energy is putting 160 megawatts (MW) of biomass capacity up for auction, with the maximum bid price expected to be released next month.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}