NORTHERN SAMAR - The province of Northern Samar is on track to become the Philippines' Wind Energy Capital, as Danish firm Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) invests PHP 108 billion in the ambitious 650-megawatt North Samar Offshore Wind Power Project.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan recently met with CIP executives to discuss the groundbreaking initiative, marking a significant step towards renewable energy development. This project, in the municipalities of Bobon, Catarman, Mondragon, San Roque, Pambujan, and Laoang, is the first of its kind by a foreign investor since the authorization of foreign ownership in renewable energy projects in November 2022.
CIP, a renowned player in global offshore wind projects, holds the exclusive rights to design, build, and operate a 2 GW portfolio of wind projects in the Philippines. Their fully foreign-owned subsidiary, CI NMF (PH) Corp., secured the renewable energy service contracts in March 2023.
The North Samar Offshore Wind Power Project, currently in the pre-development phase, aims to commence ground investigations in the first quarter of 2024, continuing until the end of 2025. This involves measuring wind speeds, seabed conditions, and environmental factors.
Grid connection is a top priority, with discussions underway with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. Potential connection points include the Calbayog 138 kV substation, San Isidro 138 kV substation, a potential new station near a 350 kV transmission line, and the Calbayog-Allen 138 kV transmission project.
To facilitate the project's development, the Board of Investments issued a Certificate of Endorsement for the Green Lane Certificate on January 10, 2024. Government agencies, including the Department of Energy, have also endorsed the project.
Governor Ongchuan emphasized the transformative impact of the project, envisioning Northern Samar as a key player in the renewable energy landscape. The CIP's commitment aligns with its plan to deliver offshore wind projects within the tenure of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In addition to the North Samar project, CI NMF (PH) Corp. has applied for BOI registration for other offshore wind power projects, targeting the delivery of 1,000 MW in Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, as well as 350 MW in Pangasinan and La Union. These combined projects are expected to generate around 4,500 jobs, showcasing a significant economic impact.
The collaboration between Governor Ongchuan and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners signifies a major step towards a sustainable and renewable energy future for the Philippines.
CAPTION: GOV. Edwin Ongchuan (second from left) listens to a presentation on a P108-billion wind energy project in Northern Samar. (Photo Courtesy of WINvest Northern Samar)
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