Danish Firm's Offshore Wind Project Gets Green Light in the Philippines

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), a Danish renewable energy firm, has secured the pre-development Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for its 1-gigawatt San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Project in Camarines Sur, Philippines. This milestone makes CIP’s project the first offshore wind energy initiative in the country to receive such approval from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The Royal Danish Embassy in Manila announced the development, highlighting the project as a significant step forward in the Philippines' renewable energy landscape. With the ECC in place, CIP has already initiated offshore site surveying, marking a crucial phase in advancing the wind energy project.

“This is a critical step in advancing the project’s development,” said Rune Damgaard, co-chief executive officer of Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP). The ECC ensures that CIP adheres to the Philippines' environmental standards and global industry regulations as it moves forward with the project’s pre-development activities.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla praised the progress, noting that CIP's efforts will help to kickstart the growth of offshore wind energy in the country. "CIP can now proceed with exploration and pre-development activities that are essential in achieving the Philippines’ long-term energy security objectives," said Lotilla.

The San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Project, with an estimated investment of PHP 170 billion, is set to become a major player in the country's renewable energy sector. The project aims to be fully operational by 2028, providing a sustainable source of energy to support the nation’s growing demand.

Danish Ambassador to the Philippines, Franz-Michael Mellbin, expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “Wind power is one of the ways the government can bring abundant, affordable, and reliable energy to every Filipino and ensure continued growth and prosperity for the nation.”

This development also marks a historic moment as CIP becomes the first foreign company in the Philippines to operate a renewable energy project with 100% foreign equity, following the Marcos administration’s move to open the sector to full foreign ownership.

As the project moves into its next phase, it stands as a testament to the potential of international collaboration in driving sustainable energy solutions in the Philippines.