The Philippines' offshore wind auction timeline has been recalibrated, with a new target date of December 2026 for bidding. This development comes after a suspension in July to review the auction framework and align it with various factors, including infrastructure readiness, permitting requirements, and environmental considerations. The Department of Energy (DOE) has published a revised schedule, outlining a comprehensive review process involving multiple agencies and stakeholders. This meticulous approach ensures that the auction is well-prepared and aligned with the country's energy goals and infrastructure capabilities.
The recalibration process involves several key steps. Firstly, the DOE and associated agencies will review and validate port, environmental, and grid-readiness requirements by September 2nd. This is followed by the signing of a Department Circular on the policy framework by August 24th and its publication in early September. A Supplemental Terms of Reference (TOR) will be released after public consultation, with final approval targeted for October 2nd. Once the Supplemental TOR is issued, the DOE will resume the auction, publish an updated schedule, and provide revised instructions to qualified bidders.
The auction activities, including the publication of qualified bidders, are expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. The target date for the auction itself is December 1st, 2026, with subsequent processes like bid validation, issuance of Notices of Award, post-auction evaluation, and awarding of Certificates of Award scheduled between December 2nd, 2026, and June 30th, 2027. It's important to note that these dates are indicative and may be subject to change based on inter-agency coordination, legal review, and approval processes.
This recalibration process highlights the Philippines' commitment to a thorough and well-planned approach to its offshore wind auction. By involving multiple agencies and stakeholders, the country is ensuring that the auction is robust, aligned with its energy goals, and capable of attracting qualified bidders. The auction's success is crucial for the development of the 3.3 GW of fixed-bottom offshore wind projects, which are expected to enter operation between 2028 and 2030.
In the meantime, several projects are advancing through GEA-5, including the 901 MW San Miguel Bay offshore wind project and three projects by a consortium of Seawind Asia, Stream Invest Holdings, and Triconti ECC Renewables: Frontera Bay, Guimaras Strait, and Guimaras Strait II. These projects are securing grid connection agreements and making preparations for the auction, demonstrating the momentum and interest in the Philippines' offshore wind sector.
