The Department of Energy (DOE) has confirmed that nine companies have passed the initial evaluation for offshore wind projects under the fifth Green Energy Auction (GEA5), down from more than 20 original applicants. The firms now move to a second review focused on their infrastructure plans, including access to transmission lines, port logistics, and project viability, with developments targeted for completion between 2028 and 2030. The final list of qualified bidders is expected by July 3, and the winners likely announced next month.
Under the GEA program, developers compete for guaranteed power rates by offering prices at or below official reserve levels, in exchange for meeting strict completion timelines. The incentives are funded by a small charge included in the monthly bills of all grid-connected consumers. GEA5 covers up to 3,300 megawatts of capacity for fixed-bottom offshore wind facilities.
To speed up growth in the sector, the DOE launched a guidebook last year to streamline the more than 80 permits required for project development, while ensuring environmental and social safeguards. The Philippines holds vast offshore wind potential estimated at 178,000 megawatts, with contracts already issued for over 72,000 megawatts. The country’s entire 450-megawatt wind energy supply comes only from onshore facilities, representing just 1.4 percent of the national power mix as of March 2026.
This development moves the Philippines closer to tapping its massive offshore wind resources, diversifying its energy sources, and reducing reliance on traditional power generation, while clarifying rules to attract more investment and accelerate clean energy expansion.
