DOE Launches Offshore Wind Permitting Guidebook

The Department of Energy, in partnership with the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership, has launched a comprehensive guidebook to simplify the permitting process for offshore wind projects in the Philippines.

Titled “Compendium: Guidebook to Permitting and Consenting for Offshore Wind Energy in the Philippines,” the publication details over 80 permitting requirements from more than 25 government agencies.

It offers a step-by-step roadmap from early site assessments and feasibility studies to construction, operation and decommissioning.

With the country’s offshore wind potential estimated at over 178 gigawatts, and 92 service contracts already awarded representing more than 65 gigawatts, the DOE said the guidebook is key to attracting investment and accelerating project development.

Energy OIC Sharon S. Garin called the release a turning point in clean energy governance.

“This guidebook is a game-changer,” she said.

“It transforms a complicated process into one that is streamlined, more transparent and easier to follow for both government and investors.”

The initiative aligns with Executive Order 21, signed in 2023 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which mandates a unified permitting system for offshore wind projects.

It also complements the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop, an online DOE platform that centralizes energy-related permits.

DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara emphasized that efficiency must not compromise accountability.

“We fast-track processes, but never at the expense of environmental and community safeguards,” she said.

“The compendium ensures that good governance and clean energy go hand-in-hand.”

The guidebook was developed through a yearlong consultation with national and local agencies, industry experts and local government units.

International consultancy firm NIRAS provided technical input and benchmarked international best practices to align procedures with global standards.

Besides permitting steps, the guidebook covers marine spatial planning, environmental impact assessments, maritime and biodiversity surveys, and community consultations.

It includes guidance on securing Environmental Compliance Certificates and meeting Free, Prior and Informed Consent requirements for areas with indigenous populations.

The DOE expects the compendium to shorten processing times, reduce bureaucratic barriers and boost investor confidence while maintaining environmental and social protections.

It is now available on the DOE and ETP websites and will soon be integrated into the EVOSS platform.

The launch supports the Philippines’ target of sourcing 35 percent of its power from renewables by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

Offshore wind is expected to play a major role in meeting these goals.