MANILA – The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday said it released the policy and administrative framework for offshore wind energy projects to accelerate the development of this sector.
Signed by DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla on June 16, Department Circular No. 2023-06-0200 --pursuant to the Executive Order No. 21 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last April 19-- sets the rules and procedures for permitting agencies related to the issuance of permits and licenses for offshore wind (OSW) projects.
The DC requires the permitting agencies to streamline permits, processes, requirements, and fees to expedite the procedures for the development of offshore wind projects.
It directs permitting agencies to remove duplications and overlapping permits within and among permitting agencies and their attached bureaus or offices; simplify application forms, processes, and requirements; reduce signatories and documentary requirements; review and rationalize fees and charges; ensure compliance with the time frames for issuance of permits prescribed by law; and automate the process through the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) System.
“The integration of the processes of permitting agencies into the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop System shall be a key factor for OSW developers in expediting their work commitments. It will also provide a streamlined, effective, and efficient permitting and consenting activity that will lessen the development cost of OSW resources, ultimately lowering the rates to the electricity consumers,” the DOE said in a statement.
The new framework also listed seven priority activities for the efficient rolling out of offshore wind projects. These include establishing the Philippines Offshore Wind Databank, reviewing the existing guidelines on the award of service contracts, preparing the smart and green grid plan by a network service provider, formulating the foreshore lease regulations for the transmission system, preparing the long-term Port Development Plan through the Philippine Ports Authority, ensuring safety and security of all offshore wind projects, and institutionalizing the marine spatial planning.
Since DOE launched the Philippines Offshore Wind Roadmap in 2022, the agency has awarded a total of 66 contracts with an aggregate potential capacity of 53.85 gigawatts (GW).
The Philippines has potential offshore wind resources of around 178 GW. (PNA)
