Massive offshore wind projects to rise key Philippine regions

The Philippines is poised to make a significant leap in renewable energy as Germany commits P392 billion (US$6.7 billion) to build 3,260 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity across coastal areas including Ilocos Norte, Mindoro, and Northern Samar.

The investment, led by German renewable energy developer wpd AG, marks one of the largest offshore wind commitments in Southeast Asia to date. The initiative aligns with the Philippine government’s targets of sourcing 35 percent of the country’s energy from renewables by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

Once operational, the offshore wind farms are expected to generate enough power to supply millions of homes, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help cut the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Officials have lauded the partnership as a boost for both sustainability and economic development, citing the project’s potential to create thousands of green jobs and strengthen energy security.

“This investment affirms the Philippines’ growing appeal as a destination for large-scale clean energy projects,” an energy department official said.

The Department of Energy has emphasized the importance of foreign direct investments in realizing the country’s clean energy roadmap, particularly in offshore wind — an emerging yet underutilized resource in the archipelago.