9 offshore wind bidders advance to infrastructure evaluation stage

NINE BIDDERS have advanced in the first offshore wind auction, proposing to deliver a combined 9.26 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity, according to the Department of Energy (DoE).

The DoE had received 20 prospective offers for the fifth round of the green energy auction (GEA-5), according to Energy Undersecretary Mylene C. Capongcol, but nine have been shortlisted and are being assessed for their infrastructure plans.

“We’re completing the infrastructure evaluation of the registrants. Hopefully, we will be able to issue the list of qualified bidders by July 3,” Ms. Capongcol said on the sidelines of the 2026 Asia Clean Energy Forum on Monday.

The DoE has awarded a total of 95 offshore wind service contracts which aims to generate 72 GW of capacity, but only few expressed interest to join the offshore wind auction.

GEA-5 was launched in November 2025, setting an installation target of 3,300 megawatts for target delivery from 2028 to 2030. The auction proper is targeted to commence on Aug. 27, with the notice of award expected to be issued by Sept. 23.

The Energy Regulatory Commission has set the green energy auction price at P11 per kilowatt-hour as a guide price for the auction.

The Philippines is hoping to generate the first kilowatts of offshore wind power by 2028, as it moves to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

It expects offshore wind to play a key role in achieving the target of increasing renewable energy’s share in the power mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

While the government seemed on track to start generating power from offshore wind, Ms. Capongcol cited challenges on meeting the goal such as permits, port infrastructure, and power transmission availability.

“As far as the market support (is concerned), I believe the Department of Energy has been coming up with innovative policies and frameworks to make use of the generation coming from this offshore wind,” she said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera