DOE launches 5th green energy auction, focuses on fixed-bottom offshore wind
The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to launch the fifth Green Energy Auction (GEA-5), which will specifically offer fixed-bottom offshore wind (OSW) technology.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 11, the DOE announced the auction targets an installation capacity of 3,300 megawatts (MW), or approximately 3 gigawatts (GW), with delivery expected to commence between 2028 and 2030.
The DOE explained its prioritization of fixed-bottom offshore wind is due to the technology’s established global track record, cost-efficiency, and scalability. This focus is anticipated to streamline OSW developments, particularly those nearing deployment.
Following the GEA-5 launch, developers, port operators, transmission companies, and other stakeholders are invited to join the auction. The terms of reference (TOR) and notice of auction are now available on the DOE website.
Outgoing Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla stressed that initiating GEA-5 will facilitate investment in delivery-ready OSW technology. “This allows us to set a strong and credible foundation for the country’s offshore wind sector, one that can deliver first power by 2028,” he said.
This strategic direction comes as the government observes that floating OSW projects in the country remain in early development stages.
“Globally, only 240 MW of floating wind capacity has been deployed to date, with Hywind Tampen’s 88 MW, which began operations in 2023, currently the largest project,” the DOE stated. It also highlighted that no large-scale commercial floating wind farms have yet been developed.
The DOE remains positive, however, citing significant signs of growth in supply chains across Southeast Asia. “Early projects will generate valuable insights, helping to address construction and commissioning challenges and paving the way for more streamlined and efficient deployments in the years ahead,” the department elaborated.
Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara expressed optimism for floating OSW developments, stating: “As global experience grows and the technology matures, the DOE will reassess its inclusion in future auction rounds. For now, our focus is to build momentum with fixed-bottom projects that can succeed under current technical, regulatory, and infrastructure conditions.”