The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is planning to construct offshore wind (OSW) energy projects in some of strategic ports in the country—the three priority areas are Batangas, Camarines Norte and Ilocos Norte.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said they are now coordinating with the Department of Energy (DOE) for the detailed engineering design of the offshore wind energy projects in order to ensure that the three priority ports will be fully equipped for the installation, commissioning, and ongoing operations required for project.
Santiago, however, said that the current priroty for the PPA is the conduct of a comprehensive feasibility study focused on infrastructure development to ensure that these ports meet the specific requirements of OSW projects.
“We remain committed to supporting the DOE’s initiatives to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy in the Philippines and look forward to our continued collaboration with the DOE towards this end,” said Santiago.
The three ports are the Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, the Port of Batangas in Sta. Clara, Batangas City, and the Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte.
Santiago said the Port of Currimao is strategically located near 13 offshore wind energy service contracts (OWESCs) approved by the DOE, with a total potential capacity of 9,489 megawatts (MW).
The Port of Batangas, on the other hand, is near 29 OWESCs with a combined potential capacity of 24,300 MW, of which six are currently progressing through pre-development phases such as permitting, licensing, surveys, and data gathering.
Meanwhile, the Port of Jose Panganiban is near 14 OWESCs, boasting a total potential capacity of 8,150 MW, with two contracts also advancing through pre-development.
“The PPA is also pursuing key initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of its port operations. These efforts align with the agency’s broader goals of integrating renewable energy and adopting eco-friendly practices while benchmarking against international standards,” said Santiago.
Green Ports
Part of this Green Port program, according to Santiago, is the use of clean and renewable energy sources in ports through the installation of solar-powered lighting and replacement of compact fluorescent lamps and high-pressure sodium lamps to LED lighting systems in office and terminal buildings.
He said the PPA is likewise provided shore-based power supply (SBPS) or Cold Ironing which is currently implemented at the Port of Cagayan de Oro to provide electricity from shore-side power supply to the vessels at the berth while its main auxiliary engines are turned off.
This, according to him, provides the opportunity not only to improve the air quality, but also to reduce carbon emissions.
25-year plan
Santiago said the planned construction of offshore wind energy projects is part of the PPA’s greening campaign to fight climate change.
The PPA shifted to renewable energy through its Green Port program based on the 25-year Port Development Plan.
Pushing the development further, the PPA rolled out its Port Environmental Port Policy in 2018 and issued an order to operate for the shore reception facilities waste disposal service provider.
Ongoing green port projects include the ports of Sasa in Davao City, Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Capinpin in Bataan, Catagbacan in Bohol, Siargao in Surigao del Norte, Lavonia in Cagayan, Plaridel in Misamis Occidental, and Balogo in Camarines Norte.
“PPA integrates renewable energy and decarbonization strategies in its port infrastructure development program. These efforts are part of a modernization initiative focused on investing in innovative technologies that support sustainability,” said Santiago.