Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Senate PRIB)

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expects the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) system to attract investors thanks to a streamlined permitting process aimed at developing more offshore wind (OSW) energy projects in the country.

Gatchalian, vice chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, said the recent issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 21 would further enhance the implementation of the EVOSS System, which in turn, is expected to clear the way for the development of more renewable energy  (RE) projects, particularly OSWs, as the permitting process of such projects would be simplified significantly.

Specifically, EO 21 mandated the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to submit to the Department of Energy (DOE) a complete list of appropriate permits required by local government units (LGUs), including the requirements, fees, and procedures, which will then be integrated into the EVOSS platform.

All permitting agencies are directed to ensure the efficient and timely processing of permits. Also, it requires them to follow EVOSS time frames.

Gatchalian said boosting offshore wind power would reduce dependence on imported fuel and speed up energy transition.

‘’This can also promote a more conducive investment environment that will provide jobs and increase economic growth,” he added.

Gatchalian is the principal author of Republic Act (RA) No.11234, or the EVOSS Act.

“The objective of institutionalizing the EVOSS system is to streamline the permitting process of power generation, transmission, and distribution projects or simply, eliminate red tape in the energy sector. We are confident of realizing this objective, making it easier for investors to develop more OSW projects,” he explained.

The Philippine Offshore Wind Roadmap has identified a total technical potential capacity of 178 gigawatts that can be harnessed from offshore wind resources.

The Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2024 targets to increase the RE contribution in the power generation mix from the current share of 22 percent, to 35 percent RE share by 2030, and 50 percent RE share by 2040.