DOE pushes for more offshore wind projects

The Department of Energy (DOE) is advancing the Marcos administration’s campaign to explore and develop offshore wind resources nationwide by harmonizing the processes required for the sector.

In a statement, the DOE said it is crafting an executive order “to strengthen and rationalize the regulatory framework” for the development of offshore wind (OSW) power projects.

“The proposed EO (executive order) would spell out the regulatory framework in building a robust OSW industry and covers a long-term vision, infrastructure development, investments and sound policies,” said Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

Lotilla said President Marcos approved the concept of having an offshore wind one-stop shop via the EO due to the renewable energy source’s nascent nature.

Upon its issuance of the EO, the timelines of processing of applications for undertaking offshore wind projects will be integrated into the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS) System.

The EVOSS System is a web-based monitoring that allows the coordinated submission and synchronous processing of data and information related to applications for undertaking power projects. It is under the DOE’s oversight.

“OSW roll-out will require processing through more than ten government agencies, apart from the DOE. The objective is to streamline processes and requirements of these agencies and the grid operator,” said the DOE.

Parallel to crafting the proposed order is the revisiting of the offshore wind service contracts issued to various entities to better reflect reasonable timelines and divide them into clear phases.

“These would include data acquisition, study phase and permitting; development plan, grid integration and final investment decision phase; construction, installation and connection phase; commissioning and production phase; and decommissioning phase,” it added.

As of writing, the DOE awarded 42 offshore wind service contracts with a potential capacity of 31.5 gigawatts. —Jordeene B. Lagare INQ