PH’s energy, environment officials to accelerate offshore wind development

Manila aims to generate the first kilowatt-hours of electricity from offshore wind by 2028.

The Philippines’ energy and environment departments have agreed to expedite the exploration, utilisation, and development of offshore wind projects by granting rights to use offshore and auxiliary areas covered by offshore wind energy service contracts.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) specifically allows developers to access the said areas during the pre-development/exploration, development and commercial development phases, subject to necessary environmental requirements. 

Within thirty days of the execution, the Department of Energy (DOE) will provide the Department of Environment and Natural Resources with a list of identified offshore wind projects. This will be regularly updated to reflect new offshore wind energy service contracts and development activities.

DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said this MOA is a step to achieve the government’s goal to deliver the first kilowatt-hours from offshore wind projects by 2028.  

“By streamlining the process for accessing critical areas, we are paving the way for a rapid and responsible rollout of offshore wind projects, which will contribute significantly to our clean energy transition,” he added.