DOE says EO to hasten offshore wind projects

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Energy (DOE) has welcomed Executive Order (EO) No. 21, as this will reportedly hasten the rollout of offshore wind (OSW) projects in the country by mandating a policy and administrative framework for the optimal development of OSW resources.

In a statement, the DOE said that this order would provide clarity, as it will likewise harmonize and streamline permitting processes and leasing fees for OSW projects under a whole-of-government approach and fully implement the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) System to cover all relevant government agencies and bureaus.

Under Executive Order No. 21, the DOE is directed to put together the development and issuance of a policy and administrative framework for the optimal development of OSW resources in the country.

This includes the integration to the EVOSS System of the various permitting processes by the different permitting agencies.

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said that with heightened investor interest in energy projects, especially in renewable energy, it is crucial to have a clear framework that would speed up the development of OSW and speed up approvals of necessary permits.

“We will work together with the concerned government agencies, local government units, and the transmission concessionaire to implement the president's directive," Lotilla said.

The Philippines Offshore Wind Roadmap launched last year showcases the Philippines’ potential OSW resources estimated at 178 GW.

At present, the DOE has awarded 63 OSW Contracts with a total potential capacity of 49.928 GW, enough to supply the country's future electricity demand.

The EO, according to the DOE, is expected to accelerate the development of the country's OSW resources and will contribute to the attainment of the country's aspirational target of 35 percent and 50 percent renewable energy contribution to the energy generation mix by 2030 and 2040, respectively. – GAN (FREEMAN)