Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara says that 10 offshore wind projects are already in the pipeline that will offer 6.72 gigawatts (GW) capacity by 2028.
In a report by the Philippine Star, Guevara explained that 82 offshore wind energy service contracts had already been awarded by the Department of Energy (DOE). These projects, which are distributed in north Luzon, west of Metro Manila, and various areas in Panay, Mindoro, and Guimaras Strait, should offer a total capacity of 63.36 GW.
The Undersecretary further explained that in the findings of a 2019 World Bank study, it was indicated that the Philippines possesses the capacity to support 178 GW of offshore wind power. Despite this potential, developers, however, emphasized four crucial elements necessary for the success of offshore wind projects in the short to medium term.
The key elements that merit attention involve the regulatory framework governing grants and seabed leasing, the importance of having dedicated and competitive market support, and the necessity for available infrastructure like transmission systems, interconnection premises, and ports.
Guevara added that the energy department was already collaborating with the Philippine Ports Authority and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to pinpoint budding ports and spot potential investors that could rehabilitate existing ports to accommodate large offshore wind projects.
The agency consistently advances offshore wind development through financed programs, in addition to providing policy and regulatory support. Aside from that, there is an initiative focused on capacity-building, aiming to identify and address the existing and future workforce skills essential for sustaining the growth of the offshore wind industry.
