The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is to join forces with the country’s Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate the development of offshore wind projects through the strategic repurposing and modernisation of port infrastructure.
The PPA will support the DOE to initiate the detailed engineering designs and take immediate steps to repurpose three priority ports to ensure that theyare fully equipped to handle the installation, commissioning, and operational requirements of offshore wind projects.
These are the Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Port of Batangas in Santa Clara, Batangas City, and Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said: “The modernisation of port facilities will not only accelerate offshore wind projects but also play a critical role in securing the country’s clean energy future and promoting economic growth.”
The DOE has identified these three ports as critical to offshore wind development, given their proximity to high-potential offshore wind energy service contracts (OWESCs).
Positioned near 13 OWESCs, the Port of Currimao supports a potential total capacity of 9489MW, with three service contracts already in the advanced pre-development stage.
The Port of Batangas is located close to 29 OWESCs with a combined potential capacity of 24,300MW.
Six of these projects are in the advanced stages of pre-development, including permitting, licensing, and data gathering.
The Port of Jose Panganiban, on the other hand, is situated near 14 OWESCs with a potential capacity of 8150MW, with two projects in the advanced pre-development phase.
PPA general manager Jay Santiago said: “In recognition of the critical role that port infrastructure plays in the successful delivery of OSW energy projects, we are pleased to inform you that the PPA will be responsible for the feasibility study and infrastructure development of these identified ports, PPA GM Jay Santiago emphasized in a letter to the DOE.”
Secretary Lotilla added that these ports will serve as vital logistical hubs throughout the lifecycle of offshore wind projects – from installation to commissioning and decommissioning.
Upgrading these facilities ensures that the Philippines is ready to accommodate the increasing demands of OSW projects, which are expected to deliver significant contributions to the country’s energy security and economic stability, he said.