Vena Energy Commits to Supporting Government’s Renewable Energy Goals
Vena Energy, a Singapore-based renewable energy company operating in the Asia-Pacific region, has expressed its commitment to supporting the government’s renewable energy goals in the Philippines.
The country has been actively promoting renewables through initiatives such as the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), and Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) to attract more investments in renewable energy.
Despite issues surrounding its Rizal wind power project, Vena Energy maintains that it followed proper procedures for its wind study outside the Masungi Georeserve conservation area in Rizal province. The company assures the public that it continues to engage in open dialogue with stakeholders and is willing to collaborate with concerned parties.
Vena Energy emphasizes its adherence to government regulations and mandatory testing and compliance in every project. The company has obtained permits such as the Environmental Compliance Certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), a Certificate of Registration from the Board of Investments, and the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) to Conduct Studies from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
Consultations with indigenous peoples communities, elders, and chieftains of ancestral domains were conducted to secure the FPIC, resulting in signed Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) and the Certification Precondition by the NCIP.
Additionally, clearances were issued to conduct studies in the area from the Protected Area Management Boards of Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, Kaliwa River Forest Reserve, and the Presidential Proclamation 1636.
Caretakers of the Masungi Georeserve have called for the revocation of Vena Energy’s permits and clearances, citing the conservation area’s status as a national park, wildlife sanctuary, and game preserve under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area Systems (E-NIPAS) Law.
Vena Energy currently operates five solar plants in the Philippines, in addition to the 54-megawatt Pililla Wind Farm in Rizal.
