The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) said recently it would accelerate the development of renewable energy projects, emphasizing the importance of producing energy locally to ensure energy security. Thus far, the DOE has made minimal progress in its renewable energy endeavors. It has canceled more than 100 renewable energy project contracts signed with other parties.

To increase the efficacy of its renewable energy projects, the DOE will undertake a number of measures. Those measures include boosting the wattage of solar electricity systems from 50MW to 500MW and shortening project processing time from two years to 45 days, according to TrendForce. "These efforts by the Philippine DOE could help to increase foreign investment in its renewable energy projects," said Angus Kao, research manager with the firm.

In early October, as it celebrated its twelfth birthday, Thailand's Department of Energy also rolled out an energy plan of its own. The plan calls for speedy procurement of a 2000MW electricity system from solar factories in 2015.

China's largest module export markets are in Southeast Asia. Among them, the Philippines and Thailand are number one and two, respectively. In the first half of 2014, China exported 158MW to the Philippines and 98MW to Thailand. Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam are China's third, fourth and fifth largest module export markets, respectively. "Because the Philippines' renewable energy policy is becoming clear, China's module exports to the Philippines grew 19% to 43MW in August," Kao said.