Joint DOE-DENR EMB Inspection at Minergy Power Corporation
On January 22, 2025, the plant hosted a joint inspection team composed of representatives from two key Philippine government agencies: the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). The visit was part of a scheduled compliance and monitoring activity aimed at evaluating MPC’s adherence to regulatory standards in both energy production and environmental management. During the inspection, the team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the facility’s operational processes, safety protocols, and environmental safeguards, ensuring that the company continues to meet national energy efficiency targets while maintaining its commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
During the facility inspection, regulatory officials conducted a thorough evaluation of critical operational infrastructure to assess compliance with environmental and safety standards. Key components under review included the jetty, where coal shipments are received; the coal handling systems, which are responsible for the safe and efficient transport and storage of coal; the Central Control Room (CCR), which oversees plant operations and monitors system performance; and the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS), a vital technology used to track pollutant levels in real-time.
Particular emphasis was placed on the CEMS, given its central role in ensuring environmental transparency and compliance. This system continuously records data on emissions such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter, all of which are crucial indicators of air quality. Feedback was provided to improve its functionality—focusing on ensuring that the system can consistently deliver precise, reliable, and timely emissions data that align with national environmental reporting requirements.
Particular emphasis was placed on the CEMS, given its central role in ensuring environmental transparency and compliance. This system continuously records data on emissions such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter, all of which are crucial indicators of air quality. Feedback was provided to improve its functionality—focusing on ensuring that the system can consistently deliver precise, reliable, and timely emissions data that align with national environmental reporting requirements.
In addition to emissions monitoring, the inspection covered broader operational practices. Waste management procedures were reviewed to identify areas for improvement, particularly with regard to the segregation, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials.
As a result of the findings, MPC is required to develop and submit a comprehensive action plan that includes corrective measures to address the identified deficiencies, detailed timelines for the implementation of these measures, and strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring long-term regulatory compliance while embedding operational excellence into the facility’s core practices.