Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corp. (BENLC), a joint venture between PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) and Denmark-based Copenhagen Energy Group, will begin a series of baseline surveys to help finalize the design of its planned 2 gigawatt (GW) offshore wind facility in Northern Luzon.
PGEC, a member of the Yuchengco Group, said in a stock exchange disclosure on Monday that the study will also assess potential environmental and social impacts in the project area.
The surveys follow the issuance of a pre-development environmental compliance certificate (ECC) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on 29 May.
The ECC allows BENLC to conduct geophysical, geotechnical, marine, environmental, and social studies crucial for characterizing site conditions.
Pre-development ECC approval
“With the pre-development ECC approval, we will now initiate the conduct of a systematic, comprehensive, and scientific study of the site’s physical and social setting that will not only meet international industry standards but provide a factual basis for assessing development concerns,” PGEC assistant vice-president for environment and community relations Yrel V. Ventura said.
The Department of Energy certified the project as an energy project of national significance last April due to its long-term energy, economic, technological and environmental benefits.
The Board of Investments also issued a Green Lane Certificate in November 2024 as the investment aligned with national development goals.
Megawatt wind turbine generators
The Northern Luzon Offshore Wind Project involves the installation of 15 to 20 megawatt wind turbine generators in the waters off Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud, with commercial operations expected between 2028 and 2030.