The Department of Energy (DOE) is looking to conduct a separate green energy auction program for offshore wind (OSW) projects, Undersecretary Sharon Garin revealed.
The DOE is determined to provide continuous RE support mechanisms, such as the annual conduct Energy Auction Program in which the DOE plans to have a separate auction for the power supply agreements to be awarded to offshore wind investors,” Garin said during the Philippines Onshore Offshore Wind & Energy Storage Summit 2023.
The country currently has 256 active energy service contracts, of which 65 of these are for offshore wind with a potential capacity of 51.228 gigawatts (GW).
Following the signing of Executive Order 21, which will fast-track offshore wind permits, Garin said that the DOE is currently formulating the policy and legislative framework for OSW projects.
“What we wish to achieve with this is that all the agencies will not have duplicating requirements. Since the agencies, the regulations are not fit for the OSW industry, as well as technology. Then we are asking the different agencies to adjust their policies to what the OSW needs,” Garin said.
The DOE official said that they are currently working on the policies so they could fit the needs of the offshore wind industry.
Apart from that, the DOE is also working on the policy and regulations for energy storage systems.
“With the influx of viable renewable energy plants, it automatically necessitates the development of energy storage systems policy and regulation, which the DOE is also working on,” Garin said.
Currently, renewable energy only accounts for less than 20% of the country’s power generation mix.
“Let us therefore seize this opportunity to transform our energy landscape, or in this case, offshore scape and create future a future where the Philippines shines as a beacon of renewable energy and sustainable development in the region,” Garin said.
Power Philippines is the official media partner of the Philippines Onshore Offshore Wind & Energy Storage Summit 2023.