Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla is currently in Denmark to gain insight into how the country manages wind energy and how it can be utilized to achieve the government’s goal of expanding Renewable Energy (RE) in the Philippines.
This visit highlights the strong bilateral relations between the two countries in terms of energy cooperation and Denmark’s commitment to supporting the Philippines in its transition to renewable energy, the Royal Danish Embassy in Manila said in a statement.
The delegation will discuss the current national developments, including the recently signed Executive Order No. 21 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. – an order that mandates the Department of Energy (DOE) to fast-track necessary permits for offshore wind projects using the Energy One-Stop Shop system (EVOSS)
“The study on offshore wind and the banning of foreign ownership in renewables revealed a significant window of opportunity for cooperation between Denmark and the Philippines in the wind industry.” shared by the embassy.
The Philippines has an estimated 178 gigawatts (GW) of potential offshore wind resources, the World Bank Group (WBG) and the Department of Energy (DOE) said in their “Offshore Wind Roadmap for the Philippines” program aimed to help develop the sector and address the growing demand for power.
The delegation will also meet with Danish government officials and businesses involved in onshore and offshore wind development, and visit the Middelgrunden Wind Farm and the Port of Esbjerg, the world’s largest port for offshore wind projects.
“Denmark will continue to support Philippine initiatives to ensure the efficient and optimal development of renewables and to help achieve the Philippines’ goal for a low-carbon future, improved energy security, and reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels.,” the Danish Embassy said.
Lotilla, meanwhile, will be speaking at the Wind Europe Conference and Exhibition.
Earlier, the DOE signed three offshore wind contracts with Copenhagen Infrastructure New Markets Fund (CINMF).