The Department of Energy (DOE) has approved system impact studies (SIS) for two major renewable energy projects in Mindoro.

First project approved by DOE for SIS is the country’s largest offshore wind power facility, with a 1.2-gigawatt (GW) development in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, to be developed by The Blue Circle and CleanTech Global Renewables, Inc.

The project, which will feature 100 turbines with a unit capacity of 12 megawatts (MW), is expected to be the largest offshore wind farm in the country and will contribute to the government’s goal of increasing renewable energy share to 50 percent by 2040.

The development comes as the Philippines envisions to add at least 92 GW of renewable energy to its energy mix by 2040, with 11.8 GW expected to come from wind projects. The project is also in line with the country’s roadmap to develop its offshore wind potential, estimated at over 170 GW.

The Blue Circle and CleanTech Global Renewables, Inc. will work together to develop the site, which is situated outside of major environmental constraints and has high winds in shallow to medium depth waters.

Second is an offshore wind project, which will be developed off the coast of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

Reportedly, Vortex Offshore Wind Corporation is planning to develop this 1,000-megawatt (MW) offshore wind facility.

These studies evaluate whether the power grid, operated by NGCP, can support new connections and identify needed infrastructure upgrades.

The projects are among 19 green energy projects authorized for system impact studies in September 2024, including 16 new projects and three modifications to previous approvals.

As DOE approved the SIS for a series of renewable energy projects across the country, it ushers a clear path for the country towards achieving renewable energy-dependence in the coming decades.

In North Luzon, several projects have been given the green light, including a 478.2-megawatt solar project by North Luzon Green and Sustainable Energy Inc. in Pangasinan, a 400-megawatt onshore wind project by wpd Philippines in Ilocos, and multiple solar projects in Isabela, totaling over 376 megawatts.

In South Luzon, a 425.3-megawatt solar project by Tuy Solar Power Corporation in Batangas has been approved, along with a 40-megawatt battery storage project by Energija Sur 2 Inc. in Laguna and a 50-megawatt wind project by Citicore Wind Energy Corporation in Camarines Sur.

On top of those mentioned, a 100-megawatt solar project by Exzal Renewable Energy Corporation in Albay-Sorsogon has been approved.

The Visayas region will also see an influx of renewable energy projects, including a 150-megawatt onshore wind project by wpd Philippines in Antique, two wind projects totaling 200 megawatts by MC Project Solutions Inc. in Cebu, and a 79.96-megawatt solar project by Freya Renewables Inc. in Leyte.

In Mindanao, a 100-megawatt wind project by First Gen Visayas Energy Inc. in Lanao del Norte has been approved, while Central Luzon will see a 20-megawatt solar project by Sta. Ignacia Tarlac Solar Power Corporation in Tarlac.

Furthermore, Metro Manila will be home to a 100-megawatt waste-to-energy facility by Manila Integrated Environment Corporation.

SIS will help identify necessary upgrades to the grid, such as additional transmission lines and transformers, ensuring that the infrastructure can support the influx of energy from this large-scale wind project.