Philippines Rises in Wind Energy, Faces Policy Hurdles

The Philippines is fast emerging as a key player in Asia’s offshore wind market, ranking second among emerging Asia-Pacific (APAC) economies in wind energy potential, according to the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) Global Wind Report 2025.

The report, released today, presents the Philippines as a critical case study in Asia’s renewable energy push, highlighting both its promise and its policy challenges.

In 2024, the world added a record-breaking 117 gigawatts (GW) of new wind energy capacity, with total global capacity rising to 1,136 GW—an 11 percent increase year-over-year.

Renewables made up 90 percent of new power generation globally last year, with wind accounting for one-fifth of that total.

APAC remained the top-performing region, led by China, which contributed over 70 percent of new wind capacity additions in 2024.

The Philippines, along with Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia, stood out among emerging markets for their rapid growth and potential to reshape regional energy landscapes.

Key domestic reforms have helped raise the Philippines’ wind profile, including the upgraded Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS), the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP), and the liberalization of foreign ownership in renewable energy projects.

However, GWEC Philippines Country Manager Ann Francisco warned that policy reforms alone are not enough to secure long-term growth.

“The government needs to turn policies into actual projects,” Francisco said, urging the Department of Energy to ensure that the upcoming Green Energy Auction-5 guarantees “project bankability through the Renewable Energy Payment Agreement (REPA).”

She emphasized the importance of clearly defined Terms of Reference (TOR), predictable timelines, and “a robust tariff structure” to attract and sustain private investment in offshore wind.

Francisco also called for a domestic and regional supply chain strategy to support the sector’s growth.

“Building up the Philippines’ supply chain means creating an environment where regional players can also invest into and participate in the supply chain enhancement program,” she said.

While the Philippines shows strong offshore wind potential, challenges remain in permitting, grid infrastructure, and project financing, all of which could hinder progress if not addressed swiftly.

Globally, the wind sector must install 320 GW annually to meet the COP28 goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030—a far cry from the current 164 GW projected under existing policies.

GWEC’s report suggests that the Philippines is well-positioned to lead the next wave of offshore wind expansion in Asia, provided it can close the gap between regulatory ambition and market execution.

The country’s actions in the coming months may determine whether it becomes a model for clean energy development in the region or a cautionary tale of missed opportunity.