CREATE MORE: DOE Seeks Faster Hydrogen Project Approvals Under CREATE MORE Framework (RA 12066)
- February 13, 2026
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The Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing amendments to its 2024 hydrogen circular aimed at accelerating clean energy development in the country by decentralizing the approval process for hydrogen investments. The proposed changes would give investment promotion agencies greater authority to approve smaller projects while reserving large-scale investments for higher-level review.
Under the draft circular, hydrogen projects valued below ₱15 billion will be endorsed to and approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) or other investment promotion agencies (IPAs), while projects exceeding that threshold will remain subject to review by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB).
Streamlining Investment Approvals
The proposed amendments to Department Circular No. DC2024-01-0001 introduce a new provision authorizing the DOE to formally endorse hydrogen energy projects to the BOI or other IPAs. These agencies will be empowered to administer both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including tax benefits available under the CREATE MORE Act, formally known as Republic Act No. 12066.
The DOE said the changes are intended to streamline administrative procedures and reduce bottlenecks that may delay clean energy investments. By decentralizing approvals for smaller-scale projects, the department seeks to create a more responsive regulatory environment and improve the ease of doing business in the emerging hydrogen sector.
Alignment With CREATE MORE
The CREATE MORE Act was enacted to strengthen the country’s investment climate by refining the system of fiscal incentives. The DOE’s proposed amendments integrate these enhanced incentives into the hydrogen framework, ensuring that qualified projects can access benefits designed to attract capital into priority industries.
Under the draft rules, hydrogen energy projects will undergo evaluation and certification processes managed by the BOI or relevant IPAs to determine their eligibility for incentives. These agencies will verify compliance with established criteria before granting access to fiscal and non-fiscal benefits.
Renewable energy-related hydrogen projects will remain under the primary jurisdiction of the BOI, unless otherwise mandated by future laws or executive directives. This provision reinforces the integration of hydrogen initiatives within the government’s broader renewable energy strategy.
Refined Project Classification
The amendments also refine the criteria for classifying hydrogen energy projects. To qualify for incentives under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, a project must demonstrate its ability to reduce overall energy consumption or implement fuel substitution that leads to improved operational efficiency.
Hydrogen ventures that integrate production with renewable energy sources or nuclear systems will be categorized as energy efficiency initiatives. This classification allows them to access specific incentives reserved for high-efficiency technologies.
However, the BOI will retain final authority to evaluate and verify these claims before granting incentive eligibility.
Technical Body
To support policy development and technical standard-setting, the DOE is also proposing the creation of a hydrogen technical committee or technical working group. The body will be tasked with facilitating policy development, reviewing regulations, and updating implementing guidelines as the technology evolves.
The department said the technical body will emphasize broader stakeholder representation, ensuring that private sector participants and technical experts contribute to shaping the regulatory framework. The move is intended to keep local standards aligned with global technological developments in hydrogen energy.
The proposed amendments will take effect following their formal publication and completion of the required regulatory processes.
Source:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/11/doe-to-delegate-approval-for-hydrogen-projects-below-15-billion
https://manilastandard.net/business/314702812/doe-to-enhance-hydrogen-incentives.html
