The pipeline of approved PV projects in the Philippines reached over 1GW in January, according to the country’s Department of Energy (DoE).

As part of Philippines’ Renewable Energy Law (2008), a movement by congress to develop and utilise renewable energy, 59 on-grid projects totalling 1,035MW and five 1.5MW of off-grid solar projects have now been approved.

Still pending approval from the DoE are nine solar projects with a total of 90MW.

PV provider, SunPower is constructing a 350MW manufacturing plant in the Philippines to be completed by the end of 2014.

The Philippines has been proactive in encouraging the uptake of renewables in the country, especially following typhoon Haiyan. #

In January senator Loren Legarda called for developed countries to “put their money where there mouth is” and invest in clean technology, energy efficiency and natural disaster prevention, arguing that long-term investment was needed to avoid widespread loss of life due to climate change.