Ports agency professes support for offshore wind projects
The Department of Energy (DOE) is doubling down on addressing potential port constraints that may hamper the development of offshore wind parks, saying it has secured the Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) backing for such projects.
In a statement over the weekend, the DOE said it received a letter from PPA general manager Jay Santiago on the planned modernization of port infrastructure, which is needed to make them primed for the smooth movement of material required in installation and operation of offshore wind facilities.
“By modernizing these strategic ports, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of OSW [offshore wind] development but also laying the foundation for long-term job creation and sustained growth in the renewable energy sector,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
The energy chief said the ports would play a vital role as logistics hubs for offshore wind projects.
So far, three ports have been identified as crucial to advancing these wind developments, namely Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Port of Batangas in Sta. Clara, Batangas City and Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte.
“In recognition of the critical role that port infrastructure plays in the successful delivery of OSW energy projects, we are pleased to inform you that the PPA will be responsible for the feasibility study and infrastructure development of these identified ports,” Santiago said in the letter.
According to the DOE, the Port of Currimao is near 13 sites covered by offshore wind energy service contracts (OWESCs), with the projects expected to chalk up an aggregate capacity of 9,489 megawatts (MW).
Green energy push
The Port of Batangas, meanwhile, is also close to 29 OWESC projects that have a total capacity of 24,300 MW.
Further, the Port of Jose Panganiban is accessible to 14 OWESC projects with a potential capacity of 8,150 MW.
The DOE has been holding green power auctions to bolster the local renewable energy market. By 2025, the agency targets to conduct its fifth round of bidding, focusing on offshore wind.
These auctions are meant to complement the current administration’s efforts to entice investors to expand to renewables, as it aims to grow clean energy’s share in the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 from the current 22 percent.
