PH to upgrade ports infrastructure to boost offshore wind development

Three ports have been identified.

The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will be working together to advance the development of the country’s offshore wind (OSW) energy projects by repurposing and modernising port infrastructure.

According to DOE, three priority ports will be upgraded for OSW projects. These are the Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Port of Batangas in Sta. Clara, Batangas City, and Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte.

These were identified as critical to OSW development given their proximity to high-potential offshore wind energy service contracts (OWESCs).

Positioned near 13 OWESCs, the Port of Currimao has a potential total capacity of 9,489 megawatts (MW), with three service contracts already in the advanced pre-development stage, whilst the Port of Batangas is located close to 29 OWESCs with a combined potential capacity of 24,300 MW. Six of these projects are in the advanced stages of pre-development. The Port of Jose Panganiban, on the other hand, is near 14 OWESCs with a potential capacity of 8,150 MW, with two projects in the advanced pre-development phase.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said his agency will be responsible for the feasibility study and infrastructure development of these identified ports.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla also said these ports will serve as logistical hubs throughout the lifecycle of offshore wind projects --- from installation to commissioning and decommissioning.