Better port infrastructure, grid readiness sought for offshore wind entry
As stakeholders prepare for the country’s first offshore wind (OSW) auction, attention is turning to the Philippines’ readiness for OSW development.
During a clean energy forum hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) on Thursday, Sept. 18, Lloyd Cameron, British economic and climate counselor, shared that while the government is looking to commence the fifth Green Energy Auction (GEA-5), there are still aspects that need to be addressed, specifically on transporting materials.
GEA-5, which was supposed to commence in the third quarter of the year, has been moved to the fourth quarter as the Department of Energy (DOE) works to address stakeholders’ concerns on the proposed terms of reference (TOR).
According to Cameron, it wasn’t just about auctioning or getting developments in place, as he suggested the need for better port infrastructure.
“I cannot stress this enough to get ported parts in and off the ships, so these things have to be worked on as well in tandem, ahead of time,” he said in an ambush interview.
Last year, the DOE identified three ports that would be critical to the development of OSW, namely: Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Port of Batangas in Batangas City, and Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte. These ports were identified to be near high-potential offshore wind energy service contracts (OWESCs).
According to the DOE, Port of Currimao holds a potential 9,489 megawatts (MW) of capacity, while Port of Batangas could have a combined potential capacity of 24,300 MW.
Port of Jose Panganiban has been seen to hold a potential capacity of 8,150 MW.
“The other challenge is the offer on wind potential… We have some in the UK [United Kingdom], we’re happy to share lessons,” Cameron added, expressing support for the Philippines’ plans to push through with OSW.
The country currently has an existing partnership with the UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (PACT), which is jointly governed and funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
According to the Philippines-UK PACT, it would help accelerate and support regulatory reforms, infrastructure development, as well as marine spatial planning for OSW.
Apart from OSW, UK PACT would also assist in enhancing the government’s microgrid planning for rural electrification.