Photo courtesy of Department of Energy.
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) expect to “flick on” the country’s first offshore wind energy plant by 2028 after both agencies signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to fast-track the development of the renewable energy source.
“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,” DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a statement.
DOE and the DENR also vowed to ensure that the first offshore power facility will be up and running before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term ends.
Lotilla said that at present, renewable energy (RE) projects are required to secure various compliance certificates from DENR, such as foreshore lease agreements, forest land use agreements, and miscellaneous lease agreements, before proceeding with exploration and development.
Amid efforts at fast-tracking the process, the MOA will continue to ensure that environmental safeguards are upheld at every stage.
“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.”
With this agreement in place, the government is now better positioned to attract investments and fast-track the development of offshore wind projects, Lotilla said.
The Department is also committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that offshore wind projects are developed responsibly and sustainably, contributing to a cleaner, more secure, and resilient energy future for the Philippines, he added. (PIA DMD)
