Negros Occidental, Iloilo, and Antique have been selected as sites for offshore wind parks under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) plan to boost renewable energy in the Philippines. These projects are set to deliver a total capacity of 16,600 megawatts (MW), with eight energy developers committed to making them a reality, marking a major step toward the country’s clean energy goals.
Triconti Southwind Corp., Jet Stream Windkraft Corp., and Vind Energy Corp. are leading efforts to establish these projects in the Philippines. Other key players include Ivisan Windkraft Corp., BuhaWind Energy Northern Luzon Corp., ACX3 Capital Holdings Inc., Domhain Earth Corp., and CI NMF (PH) Corp.
The planned offshore wind parks will be located in Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Bataan, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Quezon, Cagayan, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, La Union, Northern Samar, and Antique.
The DOE has announced that construction of these offshore wind projects will start “by 2027 at the latest”, with the goal of delivering energy to the national grid by 2028.
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Committed to accelerating the projects
According to DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara, the government is dedicated to expediting the development of these projects. She noted that because investors are assured, “they are keen on participating in the auction in the third quarter of this year.”
Guevara added that the government will ensure the fifth round of the green energy auction, focused on offshore wind projects, will proceed as planned. The auction provides privately owned entities with the opportunity to bid on clean energy projects, promoting fairness and competition.
To ensure timely project implementation and boost investor confidence, the DOE is addressing challenges related to infrastructure, transportation, and approvals. Guevara highlighted the agency’s close coordination with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to resolve transmission and logistical issues.
“We work with NGCP. We also work with the local government unit for right of way,” Guevara said, highlighting the agency’s efforts to streamline the delivery of equipment and supplies needed for offshore wind energy initiatives.
Additionally, the DOE is assisting developers with the approval process. “The permitting process is streamlined, and we are addressing critical concerns to meet our timeline,” Guevara stated.
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Offshore wind energy’s potential in the PH
Western Visayas is emerging as a key hub for clean energy projects, with the approval of green lane status for offshore wind developments in the Guimaras Strait last February 2024. This status, granted by the Bureau of Investments (BOI), aims to fast-track the processing of these initatives, allowing them to move forward more efficiently.
The offshore wind projects of Triconti Windkraft Group and Sea Wind Holdings AG represent a significant investment of P221.6 billion, with a combined capacity target of 1.2 gigawatts.
The impact of these ventures will extend beyond energy production, boosting local economies in Negros and Iloilo through potential eco-tourism development. Western Visayas, which recorded the second fastest economic growth in the country at 7.2% in 2023, is expected to benefit from the influx of investments and new business opportunities linked to these renewable energy initiatives.
Sources:
https://dailyguardian.com.ph/offshore-wind-parks-planned-for-negros-iloilo-antique/
https://business.inquirer.net/502057/doe-vows-full-backing-for-16-offshore-wind-parks