The Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday announced the official launch of the Fifth Green Energy Auction (GEA-5), a pivotal step in the Philippines’ ambitious push for offshore wind energy. This auction round is uniquely focused on fixed-bottom offshore wind technology, aiming for an installation target of 3,300 megawatts (MW) with a delivery commencement period set from 2028 to 2030.
GEA-5 is conducted under the robust framework of the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) guidelines, specifically Department Circular No. DC2021-11-0036. This initiative is integral to the DOE’s overarching strategy to meet the renewable energy targets outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan 2025-2050 and the National Renewable Energy Program.
The exclusive focus on fixed-bottom offshore wind for GEA-5 is based on its established global track record, proven cost-efficiency, and inherent scalability. This strategic approach enables the DOE to accelerate the near-term deployment of offshore wind capacity, thereby ensuring large-scale, reliable renewable energy generation that aligns with the nation’s energy security and climate objectives.
“By prioritizing fixed-bottom offshore wind for GEA-5, we are investing in a technology that is ready to deliver,” said Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla. “This allows us to set a strong and credible foundation for the country’s offshore wind sector, one that can deliver first power by 2028.”
While acknowledging the significant promise of floating offshore wind technology, the DOE notes its current early stage of global development. To date, only 240 MW of floating wind capacity has been deployed worldwide, with Hywind Tampen’s 88 MW project, operational since 2023, being the largest. Despite recent tenders awarded in 2024, no large-scale commercial floating wind farms are yet operational.
The global evolution of the floating offshore wind sector presents substantial growth opportunities for supply chains, particularly within Southeast Asia. The ongoing development of this technology offers a critical window for proactive planning and capacity-building. Early projects will be crucial in generating valuable insights, helping to overcome construction and commissioning challenges, and paving the way for more streamlined and efficient deployments in the future.
“We are still keeping the door open for floating offshore wind technology,” stated Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. “As global experience grows and the technology matures, the DOE will reassess its inclusion in future auction rounds. For now, our focus is to build momentum with fixed-bottom projects that can succeed under current technical, regulatory, and infrastructure conditions.”
The DOE encourages offshore wind developers, port operators, transmission companies, and other interested stakeholders to review the GEA-5 Terms of Reference. Inputs, comments, or clarifications should be submitted on or before June 18, 2025, to wemg.swemd@doe.gov.ph with the subject line: GEA5_Comments_Company Name.
The Terms of Reference, Notice of Auction, and all other relevant documents are accessible on the DOE website at www.doe.gov.ph. For further inquiries, the Renewable Energy Management Bureau can be reached at telephone nos. (+632) 8840-1817 or 8479-2900 loc. 310.
