Philippine DOE and DENR Sign Memorandum of Agreement to Ease Wind Farm Exploration Regulations. (Photo: DOE)
The Philippines and Vietnam have recently made significant advancements in offshore wind development policies. The Philippine government has relaxed field exploration regulations and streamlined environmental protection review processes to accelerate the commissioning of offshore wind projects by 2028.
Meanwhile, the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) has been selected to lead a pilot offshore wind program in Vietnam, aiming to supply power before 2030.
DOE, DENR simplify offshore wind approval
On October 4, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines signed a memorandum of agreement allowing developers to access offshore and auxiliary areas during the pre-development phase, facilitating exploration and development without needing to secure other compliance permits, such as foreshore lease agreements, forest land use agreements, or miscellaneous lease agreements.
The memorandum states that the DOE will submit a list of plans to the DENR within 30 days to reduce obstacles to offshore wind development, with regular updates in the future. However, if an area falls within an environmentally critical zone or is subject to prior vested rights, developers may be required to meet additional conditions or have their applications rejected.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized that this agreement is a crucial step toward fulfilling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s commitment to deliver the first offshore wind projects by 2028. By simplifying the processes for accessing critical areas, it paves the way for the swift and responsible implementation of offshore wind initiatives, contributing to the transition to clean energy.
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The Philippines recently eased approval processes to accelerate offshore wind development. (Photo: Pixabay)
Vietnam establishes pilot offshore wind project
Coincidentally, the Vietnamese government is also pushing forward with offshore wind development. On October 4, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) announced that the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group emerged as the chosen entity from three candidates to conduct a pilot offshore wind project in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province in southern Vietnam.
In July, the government had confirmed that state-owned enterprises would lead the offshore wind development efforts, and the Oil and Gas Group, with its experience in offshore oil operations, was recognized as well-suited for offshore wind development. Following its selection, the group’s investment strategies and business focus will be reviewed and adjusted, potentially undergoing structural changes to align with the requirements of the renewable energy sector.
Additionally, the MOIT plans to revise the Electricity Law and other relevant regulations to provide a clear legal framework for offshore wind development. Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long stated that once the pilot project is confirmed, policies regarding import taxes, corporate taxes, and incentives will be established to support the industry's supply chain.
Vietnam's eighth national power development plan (PDP8) sets a target of 6,000 MW for offshore wind capacity by 2030, with 2,500 MW allocated to the northern region, 500 MW to the central region, 2,000 MW to the southern-central region, and 1,000 MW to the southern region.
