The Department of Energy said over the weekend President Ferdinand Maros Jr.’s issuance of Executive Order No. 21 would hasten the rollout of offshore wind projects in the country.
“With heightened investor interest in energy projects, especially in renewable energy, it is crucial to have a clear framework that would speed up the development of OSW and speed up approvals of necessary permits. We will work together with the concerned government agencies, local government units, and the transmission concessionaire to implement the President’s directive,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
Lotilla said the EO would provide clarity and harmonize and streamline permitting processes and leasing fees for OSW projects under a whole-of-government approach and fully implement the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop System to cover all relevant government agencies and bureaus.
The EO directs the DOE develop and issue a policy and administrative framework for the optimal development of OSW resources within 60 days from the issuance of the order. This includes the integration to the EVOSS System various permitting processes by the permitting agencies.
“OSW, if optimally developed, will play a major role in our country’s goal for a low-carbon future, improved energy security, and reduced dependence on import fuels,” the EO read.
