The Philippine government is intensifying efforts to harness offshore wind (OSW) energy, aiming to provide Filipinos with cleaner, more reliable, and equitable access to electricity.

In the Asia Business Law Journal, Former Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Atty. Jay Layug explained that with the Updated Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023-2050, the DOE has pushed for an ambitious target to boost the position of renewable energy (RE).

Central to this strategy is the development of OSW, which promises significant economic and environmental benefits for the country.

OSW projects promise tangible benefits for Filipinos, including job creation, energy security, and lower electricity costs. The DOE estimates that OSW can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, stabilizing energy prices and contributing to a sustainable energy ecosystem. 

A 2020 World Bank study estimated that the Philippines has 178 gigawatts (GW) of OSW potential, far exceeding the country’s total generation capacity of 28 GW in 2022. This vast potential has already led to the awarding of 92 wind energy service contracts with a combined capacity of 68 GW as of 2024.

“The roadmap identified six potential offshore wind development zones around the country’s coast that have technically extractable wind resources,” said Layug.

These areas include: Northwest Luzon (3GW), Manila area (1GW), Northern Mindoro (5GW), Guimaras Strait (1GW), the Negros-Panay area (2GW), and Southern Mindoro (28GW). 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has bolstered the OSW push with Executive Order 21, streamlining permitting processes and ensuring a cohesive administrative framework for OSW development. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has also issued guidelines to ensure OSW projects comply with environmental standards, balancing energy development with ecological preservation.

With the DOE’s Green Energy Auction 5 scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, the government is encouraging investments that will make OSW a cornerstone of the country’s renewable energy transition.

Collaborations with multilateral organizations further accelerate OSW development. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is repurposing 10 ports for OSW infrastructure and working with the Philippine Ports Authority to upgrade facilities. The UN Office for Project Services has also developed a Marine Spatial Plan to support responsible OSW development and the broader marine renewable energy sector.

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