The rollout of offshore wind (OSW) projects is seen further fast tracked by the issuance of Executive Order 21 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to the Department of Energy (DOE).
According to the agency, the EO mandates the optimal development of OSW resources in the country by providing clarity as well as harmonize and streamline the permitting processes and leasing fees for the technology.
Under EO 21, the agency will put together not only the policy and administrative framework for the optimal development of OSW resources in the country but also integrate the energy virtual one-stop shop system for the various permitting processes by the different permitting agencies and bureaus.
“With heightened investor interest in energy projects, especially in renewable energy, it is crucial to have a clear framework that would speed up the development of OSW and speed up approvals of necessary permits. We will work together with concerned government agencies, local government units, and the transmission concessionaire to implement the President’s directive,” said Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla over the weekend.
Last year, the government launched a Philippines Offshore Wind Roadmap which showcased the country’s OSW resources estimated at 178,000 megawatts (MW).
At present, the DOE has awarded 63 OSW contracts with generating capacity of 49,928 MW.
In March, the DOE also signed three OSW service contracts with Copenhagen Infrastructure New Markets Fund for projects with a combined capacity of 2,000 MW.
The contract is the first 100 percent foreign-owned company to invest in the technology in the Philippines.
As of end-November 2022, the Philippines generates 427 MW from onshore wind power plants.
