UK backs Phl offshore wind drive

The Philippines is bullish on accelerating offshore wind development after the Department of Energy (DOE) and the United Kingdom signed an agreement to strengthen planning, governance, and project readiness for large-scale clean power projects.

The DOE and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, through the British Embassy in Manila, signed a Letter of Intent under the UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK-PACT) Philippines Country Fund. 

The cooperation seeks to improve systems for offshore wind development while also supporting microgrid planning for underserved areas.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin confirmed Monday she signed the agreement for the DOE, while Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor of the British Embassy in Manila, signed on behalf of the UK on 16 December. 

“This LOI reinforces our shared commitment to practical, outcomes-driven climate cooperation where technical rigor, transparent processes, and stronger institutional capacity translate into deliverable projects on the ground,” Garin said. 

“By strengthening the frameworks that make offshore wind and microgrid development more feasible, credible, and well-governed, we can accelerate the shift to cleaner and more reliable energy while safeguarding public interest and long-term energy security,” she added.

Under the agreement, three technical assistance projects will support faster and more credible offshore wind and microgrid development.

One project will help the DOE strengthen how it reviews offshore wind infrastructure plans submitted under the Green Energy Auction, ensuring winning bids have realistic timelines, clear milestones, and bankable proposals.

Another project will validate and peer-review the government’s marine spatial planning process for offshore wind. 

The DOE said this will improve transparency in site selection, strengthen coordination among agencies, and boost investor confidence in offshore wind projects.

The third project will build a stronger data framework for priority microgrid sites, supporting the DOE’s Competitive Selection Process for Microgrid System Providers and improving planning for rural electrification.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said the cooperation is meant to turn policy into action. 

“These workstreams will help the DOE sharpen implementation discipline — from clearer documentation standards and review criteria for OSW auction to better site data that supports transparent, competitive microgrid procurement,” Guevara said. 

“The objective is straightforward: improve readiness and confidence so that commitments convert into timely, reliable projects on the ground.”

Support under the UK-PACT Philippines Country Fund will run until March 2027 and will include workshops and training sessions to strengthen technical capacity and ensure consistent use of the new planning and evaluation tools.