Marcos orders agencies to hasten permits for wind power projects
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 defined permitting agencies as government agencies or relevant entities that are concessionaires or franchisees of the government which permitting process or authority is relevant.
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 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.