Article by: Justine Jordan (Niras)
The Philippines is taking significant steps towards integrating offshore wind (OSW) and other renewable energy sources into its power generation mix by 2030. The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded 92 offshore wind (OSW) energy service contracts, representing a potential capacity of 65* GW, positioning OSW as a key contributor to the country’s 2030 clean energy goals alongside other renewables
An initiative supporting this goal, the “Permitting and Consenting Process for Offshore Wind (OSW) Projects in the Philippines” project recently concluded its activities with a final stakeholder workshop.
Launched in September 2023, the project, led by the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) and implemented by NIRAS, focused on creating a more efficient and transparent permitting process for OSW projects.
The final workshop provided a platform for key agencies and stakeholders to review the streamlined process map and proforma (a detailed description of the application and permitting process) developed by NIRAS’ technical assistance team. Participants also clarified their roles and responsibilities within the new permitting framework.
“Licensing and permitting are foundational to unlocking offshore wind,” said John Robert Cotton, ETP’s Senior Programme Manager. “A streamlined and transparent process encourages investor confidence and ensures projects can proceed efficiently while safeguarding environmental and social standards.”
Over the past year, the project has achieved significant milestones, including:
- A clear and concise process for OSW permitting has been established in the Philippines.
- Consistent guidelines have been developed for both developers and regulators involved in OSW projects.
- Permitting processes have been streamlined across relevant government agencies.
Looking ahead, the project will further refine the process flow maps and compile them into a publicly available compendium or guidebook, according to Anna Dominique Ortiz, ETP Senior Program Officer.
These detailed process flow maps outline each phase of OSW development, from pre-development to decommissioning, and identify the relevant agencies at each stage. Importantly, these maps will be integrated into the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop System. This online platform enables the efficient filing and monitoring of energy-related permit applications.
During the workshop, DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara emphasized the importance of balancing development with environmental protection. “I hope you would keep in mind that we have to balance development and the preservation of the environment,” she stated, urging government representatives to communicate the importance of the permitting and consenting process within their respective departments. “At the end of the day, as leaders in government, we have to do our work correctly and make sure all Filipinos benefit from all our actions.”
This project represents a crucial step in the Philippines’ journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. By simplifying and standardizing the permitting process, the Philippines is creating a more attractive environment for investment in offshore wind, ultimately contributing to the nation’s renewable energy goals.