Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corp. (BENLC), a subsidiary of PetroGreen Energy Corp., has launched a multi-agency effort to advance feasibility studies for its planned offshore wind project in Ilocos Norte.

The company began three major activities during an event held on November 20 in Laoag City: the commissioning of two scanning LiDAR units and a second meteorological mast to validate earlier satellite and three-year on-site wind data; the start of a comprehensive environmental and social impact study led by global consulting firm ARUP; and the rollout of workforce development partnerships with Mapúa University and Mariano Marcos State University.

The launch was organized by BENLC and the Ilocos Norte provincial government, with representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), Board of Investments (BOI), Royal Danish Embassy, Global Wind Energy Council, maritime agencies, education institutions and LGUs from Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud in attendance.

Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Marcos-Manotoc said the province supports responsible renewable energy development. “I assure Buhawind, that you have in us a strong partner. We should continue to harness the power of the wind and make sure that it will have a positive impact on our people, their livelihoods, our environment, and the economy as a whole,” he said. He also noted the need for renewable energy investments to help bring down power costs and create long-term green jobs.

“By engaging third parties to conduct resource validation and environmental impact study of our offshore wind project, we are taking a responsible, deliberate, and transparent approach to development,” BENLC Vice President for Operations Maria Victoria Olivar said. She added that the workforce development partnership “symbolizes the power of international and cross-sectoral collaboration to foster knowledge-sharing that will benefit not only our project but the entire region.”

DOE Assistant Director Ruby De Guzman said the agency welcomes BENLC’s progress. “These activities – wind resource validation, environmental and socio-economic studies, and capacity-building with academic institutions – reflect the careful, science-based, and community-centered approach we expect from responsible offshore wind developers,” she said.

BOI Executive Director Atty. Bobby Fondevilla, who was also present, said Buhawind’s collaboration with government, LGUs and the academe aligns with efforts to build an offshore wind industry. “The BOI remains committed to facilitating high-impact renewable energy investments that promote inclusive growth and reinforce the Philippines’ position as an attractive destination for clean energy development,” he said.

What implications do you see for offshore wind development and power supply in the region as these feasibility activities progress? 

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.