The Department of Energy expects the completion of two ports that will support the development of offshore wind projects (OSW) by 2027
DOE Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the Philippine Ports Authority had identified the Port of Pambujan in Mercedes, Camarines Norte, the Sta. Clara port in Batangas and the Port of Currimao as priority ports for OSW.
“They’re looking at the Port of Pambujan to be operational by the first quarter of 2027. And then, likewise, the same for the Port of Sta. Clara, Batangas to be operational by the first quarter of 2027,” Bacordo said.
The development of the 40-hectare Pambujan port is estimated to cost about P4.8 billion. The port can be expanded up to 160 hectares.
The PPA is using internally generated funds for the Pambujan port, Bacordo said.
He said the PPA had published the terms of reference for the Port of Pambujan and expected to open the bids this month.
Bacordo said 11 OSW developers want to use the Port of Pambujan.
For the development of the Sta. Clara port, the PPA is looking at a public-private partnership arrangement, he said.
“For the Port of Sta. Clara, I believe that the PPP Center will have a role also there in the selection process, and they will be guided by the rules of the PPP Center,” Bacordo said.
Around 18 to 22 OSW service contractors are expected to utilize the Sta. Clara port in Batangas.
“For the Port of Sta. Clara, they’re looking at initially for 40 hectares, which can accommodate two developers at a time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bacordo said the Port of Currimao would not be ready by 2027 because it is designed for floating OSW.
The fifth round of the Green Energy Auction Program is specific for fixed-bottom OSW technology.
GEA-5 will offer 3,300 megawatts of fixed-bottom OSW project for delivery between 2028 and 2030.
“I’m really confident that these two ports will be ready–Batangas and the one Pambujan–by the first quarter of 2027,” Bacordo said.
“For now, we’re focusing on these three ports. That is just for the front runners,” he said.
He said the DOE has awarded 92 OSW service contracts, which would require more ports or port expansion to ensure that their development and timely completion.
