The Department of Energy (DOE) hopes to address current regulatory gaps in the offshore wind (OSW) energy sector through the creation of a separate one-stop shop.
Some 42 OSW wind service contracts have been awarded with an indicated 31,500 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity in Northern Luzon, Northern Mindoro, Southern Mindoro and the Verde Island Passage that separates Luzon and Mindoro.
DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a statement last week the proposed EO creating the – would “spell out the regulatory framework in building a robust OSW industry and covers a long-term vision, infrastructure development, investments and sound policies.”
The DOE’s current Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS) system serves as an online platform for a coordinated submission and synchronous processing of data and information relative to applications for energy projects.
Lotilla said the rollout of OSW processing goes through more than 10 government agencies.
The DOE added the proposed EO will also help in the development of a marine spatial planning system to balance demand for development with the need to protect the environment and to deliver social and economic outcomes in an open and planned way.
Among the agencies expected to be linked to the one-stop shop are the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources for fisheries management areas; Philippine Coast Guard for marine traffic lanes and hazards to navigation; National Mapping and Resource Information Authority for undersea communications cables and pipelines; the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for protected areas and issuance of environmental compliance certificate; the Maritime Industry Authority for permitting for specialized vessels, Philippine Ports Authority for ports utilization; Bureau of Customs for tax free importation; local government units for landing sites for on-grid connections; Philippine National Police for maritime and local coordination; Bureau of Immigration for movement in and out for specialized foreign workers; as well as the Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Space Agency and the Philippine Navy for other special requirements.
