Board backs FiT extension for biomass, river hydroelectric

DEVELOPERS of biomass and run-ofriver hydroelectric power plants have secured the endorsement of the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) to qualify for the guaranteed rate under the feed-in-tariff (FiT) system if they finish their projects in the next three to five years.

“The board has approved that we file a request with the office of the [Department of Energy] Secretary [Alfonso G. Cusi] for the extension of FiT for biomass and run-of-river hydro,” NREB Chairman Jose M. Layug, Jr. told reporters, adding that he would formally submit the board’s recommendation next week.

“What we would recommend to the DoE is to extend the FiT but the FiT rates would have to be based on the time that the project is completed,” he said.

The FiT system offers a fixed rate for the electricity produced by developers of solar, wind, biomass and run-of-river hydro power plants to encourage investment in emerging renewable energy technologies. The first projects to be completed under a prescribed power installation target are awarded the guaranteed FiT for 20 years.

For biomass and run-of-river hydro, the installed capacities have remained below the set targets ahead of the end2017 deadline.

“I have not officially filed it yet because I am collating the position papers,” Mr. Layug said. “Next week, I’ll send the letter.” —