The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is ramping up its Green Port program by using clean and renewable energy (RE) sources in several ports nationwide.

PPA shifted to RE through its Green Port program based on the 25-year Port Development Plan. It also rolled out its Port Environmental Policy in 2018 and issued an order to operate shore reception facilities waste disposal service.

Ongoing green port projects include the ports of Sasa in Davao City, Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Capinpin in Bataan, Catagbacan in Bohol, Siargao in Surigao del Norte, Lavonia in Cagayan, Plaridel in Misamis Occidental, and Balogo in Camarines Norte.

Part of this Green Port program is the installation of solar-powered lighting and replacement of compact fluorescent lamps and high-pressure sodium lamps to LED lighting systems in office and terminal buildings.

PPA has also tapped shore-based power supply or cold ironing for the Port of Cagayan de Oro to provide electricity from shoreside power supply to the vessels at the berth while their main auxiliary engines are turned off. This aims to improve the air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

Recently, PPA, in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE), identified three priority ports strategically positioned for offshore wind (OSW) development projects — Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Port of Batangas in Sta. Clara, Batangas City, and the Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte.

In a letter to the DOE dated Sept. 13, 2024, PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the agency will commence a detailed engineering design and take steps to upgrade the designated ports, ensuring they are fully equipped for the installation, commissioning and ongoing operations required for OSW energy projects.

The Port of Currimao is located near 13 offshore wind energy service contracts (OWESCs) approved by the DOE, with a total potential capacity of 9,489 megawatts (MW).

The Port of Batangas is near 29 OWESCs with a combined potential capacity of 24,300 MW, of which six are currently progressing through pre-development phases such as permitting, licensing, surveys and data gathering.

The Port of Jose Panganiban is near 14 OWESCs, boasting a total potential capacity of 8,150 MW, with two contracts also advancing through pre-development, PPA said.

To ensure that these ports meet the specific requirements of OSW projects, PPA will begin a comprehensive feasibility study focused on infrastructure development.  

“We remain committed to supporting the DOE’s initiatives to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy in the Philippines and look forward to our continued collaboration with the DOE towards this end,” said Jay Santiago, PPA general manager.