POWER: Spearheading the Philippines’ Offshore Wind Energy Revolution – CleanTechnica

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Last December, the major players in the offshore wind energy sector got together in collaboration with the Philippine Department of Energy to consolidate their expertise and quickly move forward in what was called a “transformative journey towards a clean energy future, harnessing the vast potential of offshore wind power.”

The Pilipinas Offshore Wind Energy Resource, Inc. (POWER), a consortium of major energy players dedicated to accelerating the development of offshore wind in the archipelago, was formalized.

Launched on December 13, 2023, at the Philippine National Oil Corporation (PNOC) Executive Lounge in Taguig City, POWER represents a strategic alliance among some of the most influential players in the Philippine energy sector. Its founding members include ACEN Corporation (ACEN), The Blue Circle (TBC), BlueFloat Energy (BlueFloat), Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (Citicore), Ignis ZA Global (Ignis), and Marubeni Asian Power Philippines Corporation (Marubeni). This collaboration leverages the collective expertise and resources of these organizations to overcome the complex challenges associated with establishing a robust offshore wind industry.

POWER’s vision aligns with the Philippine government’s ambitious targets for offshore wind, outlined in the offshore wind roadmap released in April 2022 by the Department of Energy and the World Bank Group. This roadmap estimates that the Philippines has the potential to install a remarkable 21 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040, tapping into the country’s estimated 178 GW technical potential.

In May of this year, Raymund Pascual, country manager of BlueFloat Philippines, suddenly passed away, but he had left clear directions on where POWER should be “blowing its winds.” That is into first creating and then ensuring that the necessary policy and regulatory frameworks are in place to support the rapid and sustainable growth of offshore wind.

POWER’s primary mission is to provide technical assistance and advisory services to all government agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Public Works and Highways.

The consortium is actively involved in shaping regulations, standards, and permitting processes, creating an enabling environment for investors and developers.

Beyond policy advocacy, POWER is committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the offshore wind sector. It actively engages with various stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and the private sector, to promote understanding and support for offshore wind projects. By facilitating dialogue and addressing concerns, POWER is working to secure the social license to operate, essential for the long-term success of the industry.

In June 2024, POWER proved to be a crucial hub for technical expertise and knowledge exchange. It fosters collaboration between industry players, research institutions, and other relevant organizations to advance knowledge and best practices in offshore wind development. This emphasis on capacity building is critical for ensuring that the Philippines develops a skilled local workforce and supply chain, capable of supporting the long-term growth of the sector.

The formation of POWER signifies a turning point in the Philippines’ pursuit of clean energy solutions. By uniting key stakeholders and providing essential technical and policy support, POWER is acting as a catalyst for the sector’s development.

The consortium’s efforts are poised to yield numerous benefits:

1. Accelerated Development: Streamlining regulatory processes and providing technical expertise will expedite project timelines and attract investment.
2. Sustainable Growth: POWER’s emphasis on environmental and social responsibility will ensure that offshore wind projects are developed in harmony with local communities and ecosystems.
3. Economic Prosperity: By fostering local capacity and creating jobs, POWER will contribute to the Philippines’ economic growth and energy security.

With its abundant wind resources, supportive government policies, and the collaborative efforts of organizations like POWER, the Philippines is well-positioned to become a leader in offshore wind energy in Southeast Asia.

“The journey towards a clean energy future is underway, and POWER is at the helm, navigating the course towards a sustainable and prosperous tomorrow,” said the late POWER convenor, Raymund Pascual.