Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corp. (BENLC), a venture between PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) and Denmark-based Copenhagen Energy Group (CE), is moving forward with its nearly 2,000-megawatt Northern Luzon Offshore Wind Project following key government approvals.

PGEC, a member of the Yuchengco Group, said in a report to the bourse that BENLC received the Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CEPNS) from the Department of Energy (DoE) in April.

“We welcome the DoE CEPNS award for our offshore wind ventures with CE, which should expedite the processing of all other permits, especially for our priority Northern Luzon offshore wind project, by other government agencies,” Louie Mark R. Limcolioc, BENLC’s Corporate and Legal Affairs Head, said.

The CEPNS covers the Northern Luzon project, as well as the 1,000 MW Northern Mindoro and 1,000 MW East Panay projects under the Buhawind Energy platform. It is granted to energy projects deemed to have significant capital investment and potential to enhance energy security while delivering economic, environmental, and technological benefits.

Faster permits

CEPNS holders are entitled to expedited and prioritized permit processing across national and local government agencies.

Additionally, BENLC received its Certificate of Registration from the Bureau of Customs (BoC) as an accredited importer last month. The registration, valid for one year and renewable annually, allows the company to import the equipment, tools, and machinery necessary for the pre-development, construction, and operation phases of the project.

The Northern Luzon Offshore Wind Project involves installing 15 to 20 MW wind turbine generators in the waters off Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud. Commercial operations are expected between 2028 and 2030.

The project is among the most prominent and earliest offshore wind service contracts awarded by the DoE in 2021.