With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines has a rich maritime history and is a renowned seafaring
nation. The country’s waters have conditions that are well suited to offshore wind and this abundant,
indigenous energy resource offers an opportunity for the Philippines to carry out the following:
■ Improve energy security: The Philippines is heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels. The
uncertainty of future availability and price of these fuels puts the country at risk from supply
constraints and price increases. Offshore wind, alongside other local renewable energy resources,
could help increase energy independence and resilience, as well as help reduce the country’s large
trade deficit.
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■ Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Emissions from the burning of coal and oil comprise around 87
percent of the Philippines’ carbon emissionsii and total emissions are rising rapidly. Low-carbon
electricity from offshore wind could help reduce energy-related emissions and help the Philippines
achieve its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targetiii of peak emissions by 2030.
■ Increase renewable energy supply: Although renewable energy generation is increasing, its
overall share of the Philippines’ electricity mix has decreased substantiallyiv from 34 percent of
total electricity generation in 2008 to around 21 percent in 2021. The National Renewable Energy
Program (NREP) sets a target of 35 percent share of renewable energy in the power generation
mix by 2030 and 50 percent share by 2040. Offshore wind could contribute to the +28 GW of new
generation capacity requiredv by 2030.
