The Department of Energy (DOE) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), granting rights to use offshore areas covered by offshore wind energy service contracts, including auxiliary areas to accelerate the exploration, utilization and development of offshore wind projects.

The MOA specifically allows access to both offshore and auxiliary areas during the pre-development/exploration, development and commercial development phases, subject to necessary DENR requirements. Within thirty days of the execution of the MOA, the DOE will provide the DENR with a list of identified offshore wind projects. This list will be regularly updated, in collaboration with the DENR, to reflect new offshore wind energy service contracts and development activities.

If an area falls within an environmentally critical zone or is subject to prior vested rights, the DENR may impose additional conditions or deny access altogether.

This landmark agreement streamlines the process of exploring, utilizing, and developing offshore wind projects, while ensuring that environmental safeguards are in place at every stage.

Under the current system, renewable energy projects are required to secure various compliance with the DENR, such as foreshore lease agreements, forest land use agreements, and miscellaneous lease agreements, before proceeding with exploration and development. However, with this MOA, offshore wind energy service contracts now provide sufficient authority to advance these projects without needing separate agreements.

“This MOA is a crucial step in realizing the goal of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deliver the first kilowatt-hours from offshore wind projects by 2028.  By streamlining the process for accessing critical areas, we are paving the way for a rapid and responsible rollout of offshore wind projects, which will contribute significantly to our clean energy transition,” said Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla.

With this agreement in place, the government is now better positioned to attract investments and fast-track the development of offshore wind projects. The Department is also committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that offshore wind projects are developed responsibly and sustainably, contributing to a cleaner, more secure, and resilient energy future for the Philippines. ###