Energy firm sees smoother sailing for wind parks

BuhaWind Energy Philippines expects a smoother rollout of its offshore projects, flaunting a total capacity of 4,000 megawatts, following the government’s move to address potential port hitches.

The company, a joint venture of Denmark-based Copenhagen Energy and Yuchengco-led PetroGreen Energy, welcomed the partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on upgrading ports facilities, starting with three locations, to be ready for offshore wind developments.

So far, three ports have been identified as crucial to boosting wind developments, namely Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Port of Batangas in Sta. Clara, Batangas City and Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte.

The port in Currimao, BuhaWind said, is important in the construction and operation of its 2,000-MW offshore wind park in Northern Luzon.

The company said the project was among “the most advanced offshore wind developments” in the local market, expected to create more than 20,000 jobs during the construction stage and commercial operations.

More in development

It did not disclose when the Northern Luzon offshore wind park would be up and running.

BuhaWind also said it was developing two more projects, one in Northern Mindoro and the other in East Panay. They will have a capacity of 1,000 MW each and may be operational by 2031 to 2033.

“Repurposing these ports is a game-changer for the Philippine offshore wind industry. The Currimao Port’s involvement in the BuhaWind project is crucial for establishing the Philippines as a significant player in the regional and global offshore wind market,” said Francisco Delfin, Jr., president and chief executive officer of PetroGreen Energy.

By 2025, the DOE plans to conduct its fifth round of green power bidding, focusing on offshore wind.

These auctions are meant to complement the current administration’s efforts to entice investors to expand to renewables, as it aims to grow clean energy’s share in the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 from the current 22 percent.