Marcos orders agencies to hasten permits for wind power projects

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presides during a sectoral meeting in Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.(KJ ROSALES/PPA POOL)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order to hasten the issuance of permits for offshore wind (OSW) power projects as the government eyes boosting the use of renewable energy in the country.

Under Executive Order (EO) No. 21, the President said Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, said the government should accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, and ocean.

Mr. Marcos said the Philippine Offshore Wind Roadmap has identified a total technical potential capacity of 178 gigawatts that could be harnessed from OSW resources.

“OSW, if optimally developed, will play a major role in our country’s goal for a low-carbon future, improved energy security, and reduced dependence on import fuels,” the EO read.

The EO would streamline and expedite the approval process by the permitting agencies for the issuance of permits, licenses, and clearances for OSW projects and “eliminate unnecessary delays in every stage of an OSW project.”

The EO defined permitting agencies as government agencies or relevant entities that are concessionaires or franchisees of the government which permitting process or authority is relevant.

The President said that within 60 days from the issuance of the EO, the Department of Energy (DOE) should formulate and issue a policy and administrative framework “for the efficient and optimal development of the country’s OSW resources, which shall be made applicable to all permitting agencies.”

Produce cheap electricity

The order stated that 60 days from the effectivity of the EO, pertinent agencies should submit to the DOE a complete list of required permits, including fees and procedures.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government should also submit to the DOE a complete list of appropriate permits required by local government units.

The EO directed all pertinent agencies to review their existing fees and charges and update them in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations to support and encourage the development of OSW projects.

The EO ordered the DOE for the full integration of applicable permits into the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop.

Last year, Mr. Marcos said the Philippines had the potential to be a “major wind power producer” in the world.

“We have the potential to be a major wind power producer in the world. Our unique topography is very suitable for building offshore wind farms, and we should take advantage of it to produce cheap electricity,” he said.

READ: Marcos: PH has potential to be major wind power producer in the world