The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), has released an all-encompassing comprehensive guidebook to simplify the permitting process for offshore wind (OSW) projects in the Philippines.

Titled “Compendium: Guidebook to Permitting and Consenting for Offshore Wind Energy in the Philippines,” the publication outlines over 80 permitting requirements across more than 25 government agencies. It provides a step-by-step roadmap from early site assessments and feasibility studies to construction, operation, and even decommissioning.

With the country’s offshore wind potential estimated at over 178 gigawatts (GW), and with 92 service contracts already awarded representing more than 65 GW in capacity, the DOE said the guidebook is an important tool in both attracting investment and accelerating project development.

Energy OIC Sharon S. Garin described the release as a critical turning point in clean energy governance. “This guidebook is a game-changer. It transforms a complicated process into one that is streamlined, more transparent, and easier to follow for both government and investors,” she said.

The initiative is in line with Executive Order No. 21 signed in 2023 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which directs the creation of a unified permitting system for OSW projects. It also complements the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS), a DOE-led online platform that centralizes energy-related permitting processes.

DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara highlighted that the push for efficiency does not compromise accountability. “We fast-track processes, but never at the expense of environmental and community safeguards. The compendium ensures that good governance and clean energy go hand-in-hand,” she said.

The guidebook was developed through a year of consultations with national and local government agencies, industry experts, and local government units. Technical input came from international consultancy firm NIRAS, which benchmarked international best practices to help align the country’s procedures with global standards.

In addition to permitting steps, the guidebook also covers marine spatial planning, environmental impact assessments, maritime and biodiversity surveys, and community consultations. It includes instructions on how to secure Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) and fulfill Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) requirements for areas inhabited by indigenous communities.

The DOE expects the compendium to shorten processing times, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and increase investor confidence all while maintaining strong environmental and social protections. It is now publicly available on the websites of both the DOE and ETP, and will soon be integrated into the EVOSS platform.

The guidebook’s launch supports the Philippines’ target of reaching 35 percent renewable energy in the power generation mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. At both times, offshore wind is expected to play a significant role in achieving these goals.

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