In short: the first significant initiative in the offshore wind sector in the Philippines. Three offshore wind projects with a total capacity of 1.65 GW have been approved and will be managed by a consortium comprising local and International. The country has an ambition to increase the share of renewable energy to 50% by 2040.
Three offshore wind projects in the Philippines, with a capacity of 1.65 GW, have received an approval certificate from the Department of Energy (DoE) for the first time, confirming wind energy's commercial viability.
The project consortium comprised local developer Triconti Windcraft Group, Liechtenstein-based offshore wind specialist Sea Wind Holdings, and Swiss renewable energy group Stream Invest Holding. This is going to be the first project in the Philippines to have a green energy auction for wind set by the Department of Energy (DOE) for 2025.
Two of the key projects are the 450 MW Frontera Bay Wind Power Project, situated off the coast of Cavite and Bataan, and the 1,200 MW Guimaras Strait Project, located off the coast of Panay and Negros Occidental. This Guimaras Strait project will be built in two 600 MW phases. The proximity of these two projects to high-demand centers ensures a strong potential for renewable energy capacity growth.
In energy sources, as of 2023 data, the Philippines remains heavily dependent on coal, which accounts for 30% of its total energy mix, and fossil fuels account for 61%. Comparing renewable sources, contributes too High, as of 2024 result, wind energy makes up only 1.28% of the total energy sources.
The offshore wind capacity has yet to develop despite having its extensive coastline comprising more than 7,000 islands and ideal wind conditions. However, the country is moving towards offshore wind farms as part of a proactive strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Philippines Government Plan
.jpg "President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.") |
| President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. |
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. firmly advocated offshore wind energy. Ha has made bold decisions to unlock the country's renewable energy potential.
Key reforms, he removed restrictions on foreign ownership in the renewable energy sector and streamlined the permitting process. Marcos has highlighted the country’s immense renewable energy potential, with 491,821 MW available from geothermal, hydropower, solar, and wind resources.
The Philippines is well-positioned to capitalize on the potential of offshore wind, attracting both local and international investors. Amendments to the Renewable Energy Act, which allow 100% foreign ownership of renewable energy projects, have made the prime destination for clean energy investments. President Marcos has set a goal to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation mix from 22% to 50% by 2040.
Wind energy has become a major component of the Philippines' economic strategy, stemming from the government's prospective policies. Local and international investors are flocking to the country to create tech jobs and boost economic growth and security.
World Bank Highlights Wind Potential
As of World Bank 2022, the ambitious target of generating 21 GW of offshore wind energy by 2040 is expected to supply 21% of the country's electricity needs and create 20,500 full-time jobs.
With the Department of Energy supporting feasibility studies and permit acquisitions, the Philippines is on track to meet its 2030 goal of 15.3 GW of clean energy. Under the Philippine Development Plan, the country is expected to come from offshore wind projects.
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| Sascha Lindemann |
Accordingly, these three projects were the first batch to secure offshore wind energy service contracts between 2020 and 2021 and are now the first projects in the Philippine offshore wind industry to qualify for a CoCoC from the Department of Energy to complete the pre-development phase.
This milestone marks the beginning of the detailed planning, construction, and production phases, which will take place over the next 20 years. This Guimaras Strait project will significantly increase the country's renewable energy capacity and contribute to the Philippines' goal of generating 15.3 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy by 2030.
Theo C. Sunico, Director of Triconti acknowledging the significance of this achievement, said, "It has been a long journey to reach this developmental milestone, but hard work continues with the goal of implementing these strategic energy investments as soon as realistically possible."
It has been a long journey to reach this developmental milestone, but hard work continues with the goal of implementing these strategic energy investments as soon as realistically possible.
⸺ Theo C. Sunico
Sascha Lindemann, managing director of SeaWind, pinpointed the wide-ranging impacts of the project, noting that they will increase the country's energy independence and create thousands of jobs. Stated, These projects at Triconti, Sea Wind and Stream will enhance the Philippines' energy independence and green capabilities while providing valuable training and development opportunities, supporting local businesses, and creating 2,700 jobs at various stages of implementation," added Lindemann.
These projects at Triconti, Sea Wind and Stream will enhance the Philippines' energy independence and green capabilities while providing valuable training and development opportunities, supporting local businesses, and creating 2,700 jobs at various stages of implementation.
⸺ Sascha Lindemann
In closing, the described offshore wind projects represent an important turning point in clean energy efforts in the Philippines. By actively diversifying its energy mix, reducing fossil fuel dependence, and attracting international investment, the country is setting the stage for long-term renewable growth.
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