DOE opens offshore wind auction

The Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the country’s first offshore wind–only auction under the Fifth Green Energy Auction (GEA-5), introducing a milestone-driven framework to align project development with government preparations in grid connectivity, port infrastructure, and permitting.

GEA-5 offers 3,300 megawatts of capacity for delivery between 2028 and 2030.

The auction is intended to transition offshore wind from exploratory potential to commercial-scale development, guided by a final Terms of Reference (TOR) and an official Notice of Auction released by the DOE.

“This auction pushes offshore wind from potential to reality. With clear rules, milestones, and dedicated infrastructure planning, developers can now move from early studies to bankable projects,” DOE Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

The new framework is the DOE’s most coordinated approach to integrating offshore wind into the national energy mix, ensuring developer timelines align with critical grid studies, port readiness, and regulatory approvals.

Participation in GEA-5 is limited to fixed-bottom offshore wind technologies, consistent with existing infrastructure capabilities in the Philippines.

The auction terms set a 20-year supply delivery period, with Green Energy Tariff (GET) payments starting at commissioning and upon registration with the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

The TOR also includes updated requirements for bid bonds, performance bonds, and commissioning timelines to improve accountability and project discipline.

GEA-5 is the first DOE auction to formally integrate offshore wind developer milestones with port and grid development schedules through coordination with key agencies, including the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the National Transmission Corporation, and the Philippine Ports Authority.

Identified installation ports include Pambujan Port in Camarines Norte and Sta. Clara Port in Batangas.

The TOR provides guidance for developers intending to use private port facilities.

To ensure equitable access and operational efficiency, the TOR outlines port access rules, queuing mechanisms, lender step-in rights, and penalties for delays to support a secure and financeable environment for project execution.

With the issuance of the TOR and Notice of Auction, participating developers are expected to prepare wind resource assessments, infrastructure development plans, and corporate documentation ahead of the pre-bid conference and registration period, which will be announced on the DOE’s website.

“Offshore wind can anchor our long-term clean energy transition. GEA-5 signals the Philippines is ready to compete for global investment,” Garin said.