The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) have partnered to speed up the exploration, utilization, and development of offshore wind projects.
In a statement, the DOE said the two agencies entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that allows access within the offshore wind energy service contracts and their auxiliary areas for developments and commercialization that are at par with the DENR’s requirements.
“This landmark agreement streamlines the process of exploring, utilizing, and developing offshore wind projects, while ensuring that environmental safeguards are in place at every stage,” the DOE said.
Within 30 days of the memorandum signing, the DOE must have a list of identified offshore wind projects for the DENR, with regular updates to reflect the new offshore wind energy service contracts and development activities.
While there is an agreement to utilize certain offshore and auxiliary areas, the DENR may impose necessary conditions or reject any access if the location is part of an environmentally critical zone or has prior vested rights.
To further ensure environmental safety, renewable energy (RE) projects are subject to secure various compliance like foreshore lease agreements, forest land use agreements, and misceallaneous lease before taking any development actions as per the current system.
“However, with this MOA, offshore wind energy service contracts now provide sufficient authority to advance these projects without separate agreements,” the DOE addded..
Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla noted that the deal between the DOE and DENR would provide significant advancements to increase renewables in the country.
“This MOA is a crucial step in realizing the goal of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deliver the first kilowatt-hours from offshore wind projects by 2028,” he said.
“By streamlining the process for accessing critical areas, we are paving the way for a rapid and responsible rollout of offshore wind projects, which will contribute significantly to our clean energy transition.”
Aside from expediting offshore wind project developments, the DOE sees this as a way to bring in more investments.
According to the DOE, offshore wind projects are “responsibly and sustainably” developed to secure a resilient and clean energy future.