The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), has launched the Compendium: Guidebook to Permitting and Consenting for Offshore Wind Energy in the Philippines. The guidebook aims to streamline the complex permitting process currently involving over 80 permits across more than 25 government agencies.
The DOE said the guidebook provides a clear roadmap for OSW developers, covering the entire project cycle from feasibility studies to decommissioning, thereby reducing red tape, shortening processing times, and improving coordination among regulatory bodies.
DOE officer-in-charge Sharon Garin hailed the initiative as a “game-changer,” enabling a more transparent and investor-friendly environment. Meanwhile, undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara highlighted the guidebook’s balanced approach, ensuring that environmental and social safeguards remain intact while fast-tracking clean energy deployment.
With the Philippines’ OSW potential estimated at over 178,000 MW and 92 service contracts representing more than 65,000 MW already awarded, the government sees this initiative as key to unlocking massive renewable energy investments. Currently, the country’s wind capacity remains limited to 427 MW from onshore sources, comprising only 1.4 percent of the national power mix.
The guidebook also outlines best practices for marine spatial planning, environmental compliance, and indigenous community engagement. It will be integrated into the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop System (EVOSS) for full digital implementation, further enhancing ease of doing business in the energy sector.
