BuhaWind Energy Philippines is developing three projects off Ilocos Norte, Mindoro and Panay. (Photo from BuhaWind Energy Philippines website)
MANILA, Philippines – BuhaWind Energy Philippines is one step closer to realizing its 2-gigawatt northern Luzon offshore wind farm after it secured a predevelopment environmental clearance.
In a statement on Monday, the company said it received in late May the predevelopment environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the major wind project.
The certification gives BuhaWind Energy the go-ahead to conduct geophysical, geotechnical, marine, environmental and social surveys, which are necessary to assess the site’s physical and social conditions.
READ: BuhaWind’s 4,000-MW offshore wind projects get priority status
The data gathered from these tests would be crucial in designing the project and determining its potential impact on the environment.
“With the predevelopment ECC approval, we will now initiate the conduct of a systematic, comprehensive and scientific study of the site’s physical and social setting that will not only meet international industry standards but provide factual basis for assessing development concerns,” said PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) assistant vice president for environment and community relations Yrel Ventura.
BuhaWind Energy is a joint venture between PGEC and Copenhagen Energy of Denmark.
Commercial operations
The northern Luzon wind development is being eyed to start commercial operations by mid-2030.
The planned development was also earlier tagged as an energy project of national significance, allowing the developer to enjoy seamless permitting processes. BuhaWind can also apply for necessary permits from multiple agencies simultaneously.
In November, the Board of Investments also gave the project a green lane certificate that would also allow the developer to fast-track licensing processes.
Two other projects of BuhaWind Energy received national significance certificates, namely: the 1,000-megawatt (MW) northern Mindoro and the 1,000-MW East Panay projects. These projects may be operational by 2031 and 2033, respectively. INQ