Gov’t mulls over PPP route for wind projects near seaports

The government may seek the help of the private sector in building offshore wind projects near seaports given the substantial funding requirement, according to an official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

DOTr Undersecretary for maritime sector Elmer Sarmiento told reporters last week the government was mulling over using the public-private partnership (PPP) route for the projects, which could cost around $80 million or about P4.5 billion each.

He noted they have already identified nine potential seaports for the offshore wind projects.

These are Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Supply Base Port, Mabini, Batangas; Port Irene, Cagayan; Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, Iloilo City; Port of Subic, Zambales; Pulupandan Seaport, Negros Occidental; Port of Currimao, Ilocos Norte; Port Buan, Batangas; Calabanga Provincial Port, Camarines Sur; and Bulalacao Port, Mindoro Oriental.

Sarmiento said the plan was in line with the country’s goal of generating clean energy through wind turbine generators.

“The establishment of port infrastructures is extremely important to attain successful commercial operations of the OSW (offshore wind) project by the year 2028, as these ports will host the assembly and storage of OSW turbine components and accommodate massive equipment and machinery,” he said.

“Hence, the maritime sector has a huge role to play for the harmonious implementation of this project, as offshore wind farms will be constructed near major ports across the country,” he added.

Last year, the Department of Energy issued the implementing guidelines for offshore wind projects pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 21 entitled “Directing the Establishment of the Policy and Administrative Framework for Offshore Wind Development.”

The framework outlines priority activities relating to realizing the goals of EO No. 21, including the preparation of a long-term Port Development Plan through the Philippine Ports Authority. INQ