The Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), has launched the “Compendium: Guidebook to Permitting and Consenting for Offshore Wind Energy in the Philippines.” This new guidebook provides a clear, and practical roadmap to help developers and government agencies navigate more than 80 permits required to build offshore wind projects in the country.
With the Philippines’ offshore wind potential estimated at over 178 gigawatts (GW), and 92 service contracts already awarded to date representing over 65 GW in capacity, the country is well-positioned to lead in clean energy development. However, the permitting process, spread across more than 25 agencies, has long been a challenge for investors and developers. The guidebook responds to this need by outlining the full project cycle, from early site assessments and feasibility studies to construction, operation, and decommissioning.
Each step is matched with the appropriate regulatory requirements and timelines, allowing for better coordination and predictability. The guidebook also highlights the roles of agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
The initiative is aligned with Executive Order No. 21, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2023, which directs the creation of a unified permitting system for offshore wind energy. It also integrates with the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) System, a digital platform operated by the DOE that consolidates energy-related permits into a single online system.
“This guidebook is a game-changer,” said Energy OIC Sharon S. Garin. “It transforms a complicated process into one that is streamlined, more transparent, and easier to follow for both government and investors.”
Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara emphasized the importance of both efficiency and accountability: “We fast-track processes, but never at the expense of environmental and community safeguards. The compendium ensures that good governance and clean energy go hand-in-hand.”
The guidebook was developed through year-long consultations with national government agencies, industry experts, and local government units. Technical support from NIRAS, an international consulting company specializing in development cooperation, offshore wind, and engineering and design services, helped benchmark international best practices to ensure that Philippine procedures are globally competitive while remaining grounded in domestic regulations.
In addition to regulatory steps, the guidebook covers best practices for marine spatial planning, environmental impact assessments, and community consultations. It offers practical guidance on how to secure Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), conduct maritime and biodiversity surveys, and fulfill Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for areas with indigenous communities.
The DOE expects the compendium to reduce processing times, cut red tape, and improve investor confidence, all while ensuring that social and ecological protections remain in place. It is now publicly accessible on the DOE and ETP websites and will soon be fully operationalized through the EVOSS platform.
As the Philippines moves toward its goals of 35 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, offshore wind will play a central role. The launch of this guidebook marks a key milestone in building a permitting environment that supports both investment and accountability.
For energy developers, communities, and regulators, this guidebook signals a new era, one where progress is driven by clear policies, coordinated action, and a shared vision of a cleaner energy future.
Access the guidebook now and power the future of clean energy in the Philippines here: https://legacy.doe.gov.ph/announcements/osw-guidebook-permitting-and-con...
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