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EO 21 to hasten offshore wind projects, says DOE

<p>Department of Energy (DOE). <em>(PNA file image)</em></p>

Department of Energy (DOE). (PNA file image)

MANILA – The Department of Energy (DOE) on Sunday welcomed Executive Order (EO) No. 21 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as this will hasten the rollout of offshore wind (OSW) projects by mandating policy and administrative framework for the optimal development of OSW resources.

DOE said the EO would provide clarity as it will 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 EO No. 21 issued on April 19, “all permitting agencies shall within 60 days from the effectivity of this Order, submit to the DOE a complete list of appropriate permits required by relevant permitting agencies, including all requirements, fees and procedures for the issuance thereof.”

The DOE shall then “review the submission and take appropriate action on whether they shall: a) initiate the full integration of applicable permit into the EVOSS platform, provided that all requirements have been submitted; or; b) require the permitting agency to remediate or supplement a deficient or incomplete submission.”

"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," Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a news release.

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

To date, 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 is expected to accelerate the development of the country's OSW resources and will contribute to the attainment of the aspirational targets of 35 percent and 50 percent renewable energy contribution to the energy generation mix by 2030 and 2040, respectively. (PNA)

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