The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) revealed that a US-based company is interested in converting its Mabini, Batangas port into an offshore wind integration hub. 

In a report by Business World, PNOC President Oliver B. Butalid confirmed the development, stating that the company targets to attract voluntary proposals this year to facilitate the port’s transformation by 2027.

Butalid also expressed optimism regarding the prospect of receiving proposals, noting ongoing engagements with potential developers. He added that it is also important to secure a proposal soon to advance the port’s repurposing efforts.

PNOC manages the Energy Supply Base (ESB), a 19.2-hectare commercial port previously managed by PNOC Exploration Corporation before its transfer to PNOC in 2018. 

The ESB port is poised to become the first facility capable of supporting 32 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind projects, aligning with the government’s target to operationalize offshore wind turbines by 2028.

It is estimated that the repurposing cost of the port would be around Php 5 billion. PNOC also allocated Php 800 million for preparatory activities in 2024, including land preparation and reclamation efforts.

As of April 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded 92 offshore wind contracts, with a potential capacity of 65.05 GW. The DOE anticipates the completion of at least 10 offshore wind projects with a generating capacity of 6.72 GW by 2028.