President Marcos Issues Order To Expedite Use Of Renewable Energy

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed Executive Order No. 21 aimed at expediting the issuance of permits for offshore wind (OSW) projects in a bid to boost the use of renewable energy in the country.

Released on Thursday, Executive Order No. 21 calls for the establishment of a policy and administrative framework for offshore wind development. In it, the President said Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 states that the government should accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources such as biomass, solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and ocean energy resources including hybrid systems.

The document added that the Philippine Energy Plan is eyeing the increase in use of renewable energy in the current power generation mix from the current share of 22% to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. Marcos said the "Philippine Offshore Wind Roadmap has identified a total technical potential capacity of 178 gigawatts that could be harnessed from OSW resources."

"OSW resources, if optimally developed, will play a major role in our country's goal for a low-carbon future, improved energy security, and reduced dependence on import fuels," the EO said.

The EO would call for a faster approval process for offshore wind proponents who are applying for permits, licenses, and clearances as it eliminates unnecessary delays in every stage of an OSW project."

The EO ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to formulate and issue a policy and administrative framework allowing for the "efficient and optimal development of the country's OSW resources, which shall be made applicable to all permitting agencies."

In February, the DOE awarded 55 OSW service contracts with a combined capacity of 40,680 megawatts.

Among the OSW contracts given are Earth Sol Power Corp.'s 500-MW offshore wind project in Bagac, Bataan; Giga Ace 7 Inc.'s 1,024-MW offshore wind project in Calatagan and Lian, Batangas; and Vind Energy Corp.'s 495-MW offshore wind project in Cavite.

While campaigning last year, Marcos said the country has "the potential to be a major wind power producer in the world. Our unique topography is very suitable for building offshore wind farms and we should take advantage of it to produce cheap electricity."