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Offshore wind energy is painfully slow in development in the Philippines. As of December 2024, the Philippine Department of Energy had approved 92 offshore wind energy service contracts with a combined potential capacity of more than 65 GW. As of January 2025, only 5 of those projects have moved on to some form of permitting or environmental compliance.
Based on various year-end reports from energy stakeholders, the offshore wind (OSW) sector is poised for significant growth, but development still moves at a very slow pace, as it faces a complex landscape of regulatory challenges and lengthy development timelines.
Last month, CleanTechnica ran a story on the supply chain issues in the Philippines and what the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) proposed from a study it conducted and presented to stakeholders.
CleanTechnica interviewed Anna Marie Francisco, Country Head of the GWEC in the Philippines, who shared her insights on the current state of offshore wind development, discussing the other regulatory requirements around the supply chain and permitting issues. In that chat she emphasized even more the importance of streamlining processes to facilitate the timely commissioning of projects.
Permitting Issues & EVOSS
“The regulatory environment has shown promising developments, but several bottlenecks still require urgent attention. Francisco highlighted overlapping permitting processes and fragmented responsibilities among government agencies as key issues,” Francisco said. “The DoE is actively working to address these challenges by developing the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework and the offshore wind permitting framework,” she explained.
These frameworks are designed to simplify environmental approvals, grid connection processes, and project feasibility permits through clearer guidelines and reduced administrative burdens.
A significant tool in this effort is the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) system.
While it has improved approvals for energy projects, Francisco pointed out that it currently caters more effectively to onshore renewable projects. She expressed optimism for future enhancements. “Once the MSP and permitting frameworks are finalized, we expect them to be integrated into EVOSS,” she explained stressing the importance of incorporating environmental clearances and grid studies into the platform, along with increasing transparency regarding permit timelines and progress tracking.
Long Development Timeline
The timeline for developing offshore wind projects is notably lengthy, often spanning a decade or more. Francisco stressed the need for measures to ensure policy continuity across different administrations to support this long-term vision.
“Institutionalizing a long-term offshore wind pipeline aligned with the Philippines Energy Plan and National Renewable Energy Plan is essential,” she stated. She also proposed establishing an inter-department Offshore Wind Task Force to oversee project pipelines and monitor progress effectively.
Balancing offshore wind development with marine protected areas and other marine stakeholders is another critical concern. Francisco advocated for a participatory approach to Marine Spatial Planning that involves government entities, industry players, local communities, and environmental NGOs. “Using data-driven tools to map wind resource zones alongside ecologically sensitive areas is vital,” she explained. However, she acknowledged that there is a lack of updated databases covering biodiversity and social parameters, which complicates this task.
The modernization of ports is identified as a critical enabler for offshore wind projects. Francisco noted that aligning plans among key agencies such as the DoE and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is crucial for timely project execution. “If we are to realize energy delivery by 2028, priority ports should be partly operational by 2027,” she said. This timeline underscores the urgency of infrastructure development to support offshore wind initiatives.
An Example Of Port Modernization
One particular area, called the Energy Supply Base (ESB), an 19.2-hectare private commercial port in Mabini, Batangas, about 100 kilometers from Manila, is the first candidate for a planned Offshore Wind Integration Port (OSWIP).
The ESB was created primarily to provide logistical support such as pier services, warehousing facilities, cargo handling, equipment rental, manpower services, and water bunkering services for the fossil fuel energy industry under the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).
The ESB will be converted into a port specifically designed to support the offshore wind industry in the Batangas/Mindoro Wind Corridor. The modifications and conversion of the ESB will involve developing the existing port area, leveling a hilly section, strengthening the port structure to accommodate heavy equipment, and extending and deepening the quayside area to handle large wind turbine components.
Aimed to support the awarded current WESCs in Batangas for up to 21 GW (as of December 2024), the OSWIP will play a key role in the development of offshore wind farms in the Batangas-Mindoro energy corridor.
Integration Into The National Grid
As for integrating offshore wind energy into the national grid, Francisco offered several recommendations for grid managers to prepare for operational projects by 2028-2030. She stressed the importance of developing a long-term grid development plan that incorporates offshore wind targets from the DOE while prioritizing grid expansion in coastal areas identified as high-potential zones. “Establishing a clear process for offshore wind developers to secure grid connection agreements is essential,” she added.
Stakeholders such as POWER and Wind Energy Development Association of the Philippines (WEDAP) can play pivotal roles in maintaining momentum for offshore wind development by advocating for policy reforms that streamline permitting processes and promote tariff indexation through programs like the Green Energy Auction Program. Francisco emphasized building industry capacity through training programs and collaborations with academic institutions to foster knowledge-sharing and innovation within the sector.
Optimism Ahead
Looking ahead, Francisco remains optimistic about achieving operational offshore wind projects by 2028. She acknowledged the challenges, but expressed confidence in the government’s commitment.
“It will be challenging, but the government and frontrunners are working very hard to make 2028 happen. This determination reflects a broader ambition within the country to harness its vast offshore wind potential—estimated at around 178 gigawatts—while transitioning towards cleaner energy sources,” the GWEC country head said.
“By navigating project development effectively and leveraging expertise, we can unlock our offshore wind resources for a sustainable energy future.” Francisco optimistically concluded.
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