PH Opens Offshore Wind Auction for 3.3GW Capacity

The Philippine Department of Energy has launched its first-ever offshore wind-focused auction under the Green Energy Auction Program, aiming to award 3,300 megawatts (MW) of fixed-bottom offshore wind capacity for delivery between 2028 and 2030.

The Fifth Green Energy Auction (GEA-5), unveiled this week, marks a milestone in the country’s transition toward large-scale renewable energy as envisioned in the Philippine Energy Plan 2025–2050 and the National Renewable Energy Program.

“By prioritizing fixed-bottom offshore wind for GEA-5, we are investing in a technology that is ready to deliver,” said Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla during the announcement.

“This allows us to set a strong and credible foundation for the country’s offshore wind sector, one that can deliver first power by 2028,” he added.

Fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines, which are anchored to the seabed in relatively shallow waters, have seen wider global deployment compared to floating platforms due to their commercial maturity and cost efficiency.

The DOE said its selection of fixed-bottom technology reflects the need for near-term scalability and stable output, vital for addressing the country’s growing power demand and ensuring energy security.

Floating offshore wind, while promising in the long term, remains in the pilot phase globally, with only 240 MW currently installed, the largest of which is Norway’s 88 MW Hywind Tampen project.

“We are still keeping the door open for floating offshore wind technology,” said DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.

“As global experience grows and the technology matures, the DOE will reassess its inclusion in future auction rounds,” she said.

“For now, our focus is to build momentum with fixed-bottom projects that can succeed under current technical, regulatory, and infrastructure conditions.”

GEA-5 is being conducted under the framework of Department Circular No. DC2021-11-0036, which institutionalized competitive auctions for renewable energy capacity in support of the country’s clean energy targets.

The auction is open to project developers, port operators, transmission providers, and other stakeholders who are encouraged to review the Terms of Reference and submit feedback by June 18.

Auction documents, including the Notice of Auction and detailed technical guidelines, are available at www.doe.gov.ph.

For inquiries, the DOE advised contacting its Renewable Energy Management Bureau through (+632) 8840-1817 or 8479-2900 local 310.

Offshore wind is a key element in the Philippines’ strategy to raise the renewable share of the power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

A World Bank study previously estimated that the country holds over 170 GW of offshore wind potential, particularly along its western seaboard, making it a strategic frontier for renewable development.

The GEA-5 signals the government’s intent to build a pipeline of bankable offshore wind projects that can integrate into the grid over the next five years.