BuhaWind Energy Philippines has secured a pre-development environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for its 2GW Northern Luzon floating offshore wind project.
BuhaWind Energy is the joint venture of PetroGreen Energy Corporation (PGEC) and Danish firm Copenhagen Energy.
The EEC was granted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The pre-development ECC allows BuhaWind Energy to conduct geophysical, geotechnical, marine, environmental, and social surveys that are essential in characterising the baseline physical and social conditions of the project area.
The data will be needed not only in the development design of the offshore wind power facility but also in assessing potential environmental impacts to the site.
PGEC assistant vice president for environment and community relations Yrel Ventura said: “With the pre-development 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.”
The Northern Luzon offshore wind power project was certified on 29 April by the Department of Energy (DOE) as an energy project of national significance, attesting to its potential to provide long-term energy, economic, technological, and environmental benefits for the country.
Located off Ilocos Norte, the Northern Luzon project is expected to be fully operational in 2030.
Two other wind farms being developed by BuhaWind Energy off the coast of the Philippines – the 1GW Northern Mindoro and 1GW East Panay – have also received this certification of national significance.
The three floating offshore wind farms support the government’s priority of growing the domestic renewable energy industry to increase security of national power supply, reduce carbon emissions and secure local jobs.