Typically, the deployment of wind farm technologies at protected zones stirs up regulatory and environmental concerns because of probable disturbance on fragile ecosystems and marine sanctuaries – including those of intricate coral reefs and fish habitats.
Other offshore wind project developers, however, argue that meticulous planning, scientifically-nuanced approach on project construction as well as deployment of advanced technologies could buck the odds of ecological distress that these clean energy projects may pose.
Reinforced protection for Verde Island Passage could drive out offshore wind investments
At a glance
Many offshore wind investors may end up abandoning their proposed projects as both government and private sector advocates have been intensifying calls and activities for reinforced protection of the Verde Island Passage (VIP).
A highly placed source indicated that a multinational company along with its local partner had been the first one to ditch planned development in the area because part of the block covered by their offshore wind service contract will straddle Verde Island.
It was hinted that based on the service contracts awarded by the Department of Energy (DOE), many projects could stretch out developments within the Verde Island Passage, hence, investors are now awaiting firm pronouncements from the government how they will navigate that tension and take a balancing act between environmental preservation and capital flow for renewable energy (RE) projects.
The VIP stretches from Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, and Occidental Mindoro – and that is also a passage which separates Mindoro island from Luzon.
Typically, the deployment of wind farm technologies at protected zones stirs up regulatory and environmental concerns because of probable disturbance on fragile ecosystems and marine sanctuaries – including those of intricate coral reefs and fish habitats.
Other offshore wind project developers, however, argue that meticulous planning, scientifically-nuanced approach on project construction as well as deployment of advanced technologies could buck the odds of ecological distress that these clean energy projects may pose.
For floating offshore wind projects, in particular, it was emphasized that these do not require intrusive seabed anchoring, thus, there might be a way to strike a compromise how these installations could be pursued – with the support of stringent environmental impact assessments, robust regulatory frameworks as well as consultation with environmental scientists and the host communities.
While marine spatial planning (MSP) is still being undertaken for the targeted offshore wind ventures in the country, investors are awaiting more forthright pronouncements from the government on what is now perceived as ‘uncertain future’ for a number of OSW projects.
Early this month, three of the country’s major conglomerates – San Miguel Corporation, Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Manila Electric Company (Meralco) – have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the DOE and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the ‘protection and preservation’ of the Verde Island Passage.
This week, Lopez-led First Gen Corporation, which is the original and long-running protector of Verde Island Passage along with its affiliate ABS-CBN Foundation, will be signing a separate MOU with the DOE and DENR for further ‘conservation and development program’ to be advanced in continually safeguarding that protected zone.
All of the companies which cemented a covenant with the government for Verde Island’s preservation are investors of gas-fed energy facilities in Batangas province.
According to the DENR, the VIP’s 1.4 million hectare-stretch “is home to over 1,700 fish species and 300 coral species, forming a biodiversity zone that marine experts cited as the center of marine shore fish biodiversity.”
In the MOU sealed with SMC, Meralco and AEV, it was stipulated that the goal will be geared toward “supporting clean energy transition towards sustainable and resilient low carbon development, establishing Marine Science Research Stations in the VIP to advance science, policy and practices needed by the industry, committing to the responsible stewardship and sustainable access and use of the VIP's coastal and marine resources, and creating stakeholder platforms to ensure the welfare of surrounding communities.”