DENR Administrative Order 2025-20: Guidelines for securing environmental compliance certificate under the Philippines Environmental Impact Statement System for Floating Photovoltaic Projects

This Administrative Oder by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sets out guidelines for floating photovoltaic (FPV) solar projects on inland freshwater bodies in the Philippines, requiring all such projects to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System. The guidelines cover the full project lifecycle, detailing environmental and social considerations across pre-construction, construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning phases. Key concerns include water quality and aquatic biodiversity, shading effects from panels, noise, air pollutant emissions, an assessment of the project’s greenhouse gas emissions, and impacts on local livelihoods. Project developers must submit a comprehensive Abandonment and Termination Plan at least one year before decommissioning.