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The country has strong potential for offshore wind, which involves placing wind turbines in the water instead of on land. These turbines capture wind energy from the sea to produce electricity. Offshore wind farms can be close to the shore or further out at sea, where winds are usually stronger and more consistent. This type of wind energy offers benefits like accessing more reliable and powerful winds compared to onshore sites.
In April 2022, the Department of Energy and the World Bank Group released the Philippine Offshore Wind Roadmap, estimating that the country could install up to 21 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power by 2040.
Meanwhile, the Madrid-based BlueFloat Energy recently acquired Wind Energy Service Contracts for sites in North Luzon, Central Luzon, South Luzon, and Mindoro. Over the past 18 months, BlueFloat Energy has been focused on harnessing this offshore wind potential by advancing the development of floating wind projects. The company plans to establish 7.6 GW of offshore wind capacity in the Philippines, making it the company’s largest market.
BlueFloat Energy is allocating $2.5 million to $4 million per megawatt (MW) for bottom-fixed wind farms and up to $6 million per MW for the development of floating wind projects. Over the course of the entire development process, the company is expected to create around 12,000 job opportunities for Filipinos.
Project’s progress
The offshore wind projects are still in the early development phase, with a focus on areas near load centers that already have essential infrastructure like ports and the grid. Permits and regulatory frameworks are currently being refined, with ongoing collaboration between government agencies.The expected timeline aims for construction to begin in 2028, with the initial phase of the projects to be completed by 2031 or 2032.
However, the project faces possible challenges. One of which is the lack of ports, which is a critical infrastructure for harnessing offshore wind. While the Department of Energy has identified 10 ports for initial feasibility assessments, port developers are seeking to confirm their economic viability.
Additionally, the transmission capacity must be significantly expanded to support the large-scale projects usually located far out at sea. To address this, BlueFloat Energy recommends that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines should look into expanding capacity in areas that require enhancement, as this will be essential for supporting the country’s offshore wind industry.
Why the Philippines is a viable location for offshore wind
The Philippines is well-suited to tap into offshore wind energy because of the following reasons:
Rich natural resources
The country boasts vast coastlines and marine regions, offering plenty of space for offshore wind farms. These areas typically experience strong and steady winds, making them ideal for wind power generation.
Ideal coastal conditions
Because the country’s coastal regions display predictable and regular wind patterns, wind energy generation is more efficient. Steady wind speeds ensure stable power output.
Geographical benefits
The Philippines is spoiled for choice when it comes to offshore locations, thanks to its many islands and extensive shorelines. This geographic diversity enables the selection of the best sites for wind farms, optimizing energy production.
Economic and environmental gains
Wind energy eases off the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, which are subject to market fluctuations and geopolitical conflicts. Apart from minimizing the carbon footprint and contributing to sustainable growth, this renewable energy can also create jobs, fueling economic development.
Challenges faced by the industry
While there are significant benefits, there are also challenges to making this technology widespread in the country.
Infrastructure development
As BlueFloat Energy mentioned, infrastructure is vital in jumpstarting this industry. This includes constructing and upgrading ports to handle the assembly and transportation of large turbine components, as well as developing robust transmission lines to connect the offshore wind farms to the national grid. The logistics and engineering required for these developments are intricate and costly, requiring careful planning and coordination.
Technical and engineering difficulties
Floating wind turbines demand cutting-edge technology and engineering solutions to address turbine stability, anchoring systems, and energy transmission from the sea to the shore. Due to the harsh marine environment, with its strong winds, high waves, and corrosive saltwater, structures require complex designs and vigilant maintenance to properly function.
Ecological impact
How will offshore infrastructure affect marine ecosystems and wildlife? Comprehensive studies are needed to identify potential issues like habitat disruption, noise pollution, and changes in local sea currents. Ensuring that the wind farms are designed and managed in a way that minimizes their ecological footprint is essential for achieving sustainable and responsible development.
Adverse weather and sea conditions
Strong winds, rough seas, and extreme weather events can delay construction schedules and pose safety risks for workers. These conditions can also complicate the installation and servicing of wind turbines, requiring specialized equipment and techniques. Furthermore, continuous exposure to harsh marine environments can lead to wear and tear on the infrastructure, necessitating frequent maintenance and inspections.
Despite these challenges, offshore wind remains a valuable and worthwhile endeavor, especially given the current environmental climate. Any effort to harness cleaner energy sources is crucial for addressing global sustainability and climate issues.