DOE to Finalize Grid Plan by September for Renewables Push
- July 14, 2025
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the Smart and Green Grid Plan (SGGP), which will establish frameworks and processes for efficient system operations and the timely implementation of transmission projects, is on track for completion by September.
At the Conference on German Technologies for Renewable Energy Integration in the Philippines, Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara explained that the plan plays a key role in preparing the grid for the growing share of renewables. It will promote the use of smart grid technologies and upgraded transmission infrastructure to enhance grid stability and resiliency. It will also expand access to clean energy by linking remote renewable sources to major demand centers.
“The SGGP aims to enable the seamless integration of large-scale renewable energy (RE), including up to 50 gigawatts of offshore wind and 4.8 gigawatts of nuclear by 2050,” Guevara shared.
(Also read: Renewables make up lion’s share of new energy projects in 2025)
Next-gen grid solutions to support large-scale clean energy integration
Guevara described a future vision for the Philippines’ smart grid that incorporates real-time, AI-driven balancing and dispatch within both transmission and distribution systems.
At the transmission level, artificial intelligence will analyze live data from wind forecasts, solar irradiance, and weather models to predict generation trends for more accurate and flexible dispatch decisions.
On the distribution side, the deployment of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) will support localized AI-assisted functions, like load forecasting, demand-side management, and real-time balancing. These innovations are expected to improve grid reliability and efficiency, reduce curtailment, and enhance both energy affordability and security.
The DOE said the future smart grid model aligns with the SGGP’s broader goal of creating a modern, sustainable, and intelligent grid capable of supporting large-scale renewable energy integration and efficient electricity use.
Phase 2 will align transmission with renewable energy goals
Guevara said Phase 2 of the Smart and Green Grid Plan (SGGP) will establish a transmission development timeline to support large-scale renewable energy projects, including new routes and subsea cable systems.
The plan aims to modernize the grid for 2050 peak demand, enable over 50% renewable energy by 2040, and improve energy security and affordability.
Transmission remains a major barrier to clean energy growth, she noted, with many of the 1,400 awarded service contracts located in areas lacking grid infrastructure. To address this, the DOE plans to shift its strategy: identifying available transmission capacity first, and then guiding project development accordingly.
“So, I would like to shift the way we do business to ‘these are the locations of the transmission capacities; this is where you should build,’” Guevara explained.
She added that future renewable energy auctions will also be based on transmission readiness, aligning capacity targets with grid availability to avoid further mismatches.
Guevara emphasized the need to reverse the current mismatch between project locations and available grid infrastructure. “We are in catch-up mode right now on transmission. But I hope that five years down the road, it will be the reverse,” she added.
(Also read: Unsteady Ground: The Cracks in GEA-5’s Offshore Wind Strategy)
DOE regains role in grid planning, eyes battery storage to support RE expansion
Through the SGGP, Guevara said the DOE will regain a central role in transmission planning, which was largely handled by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
“Now, with the SGGP that is coming out this year, that will be the main plan, and the transmission development plan will be something like the implementation plan,” Guevara explained.
She added that the DOE has recently collaborated with the State Grid Corporation of China to assist the NGCP in determining the optimal locations, timing, and capacity requirements for battery storage throughout the grid.
Guevara explained that battery storage will be critical to support the grid until pumped hydro becomes available around 2029 or 2030, and as variable renewables continue to scale up in the near term.
(Also read: Davao de Oro Gets Southeast Asia’s First Floating Battery Storage System)
Building the foundation for long-term energy sustainability
The SGGP is crucial to modernizing the Philippines’ energy system for a future driven by renewables. Through advanced technologies, a smart and green grid will improve reliability, ease transmission constraints, and minimize energy curtailment. By efficiently linking remote generation sites to demand centers, a modernized grid will give consumers and businesses greater control over energy use, boosting energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
As energy needs grow and climate targets loom, a smart and green grid is fundamental to a fair and resilient energy transition.
Sources:
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/06/24/681184/grid-plan-expected-by-september/
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/06/24/doe-expects-to-complete-green-grid-strategy-by-september/
https://manilastandard.net/business/314607263/doe-to-release-smart-grid-plan-in-september.html
