The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) is setting its sails towards the horizon of offshore wind projects. Aiming to refurbish another port asset, PNOC is keen to cater to the burgeoning needs of this renewable energy sector. PNOC's president, Oliver Butalid, shared in a recent interview that the port within the PNOC Industrial Park in Bataan might undergo a transformation to support the requirements of upcoming offshore wind projects.
The Bataan asset is currently under evaluation as to how it can be best utilized. The initial idea is to convert it into a logistics port. This transformation would open up opportunities for increased efficiency and streamlined operations for offshore wind projects. The port could play a crucial role in the logistics chain, providing a necessary connection between the wind farms and other crucial infrastructures.
PNOC is not alone in this venture. The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Asian Development Bank have joined hands to identify ports across the Philippines that can be revamped. This collaborative effort aims to prepare the country's infrastructure for future offshore wind farms, reinforcing the Philippines' position in renewable energy development.
Ten ports have been shortlisted for this repurposing initiative. Among them is PNOC’s own Energy Supply Base (ESB) Port in Batangas. Other ports in Batangas, Mindoro, Bacolod, and Iloilo are also being considered, reflecting the widespread potential for renewable energy across the country.
The redevelopment of the ESB Port is a major undertaking. With an estimated cost of PHP5 billion, PNOC is expected to identify a private partner for this venture within the year. This move is in line with PNOC's aim to undertake ESB redevelopment through a public-private partnership (PPP), awaiting the implementing rules and regulations of the PPP Code.
PNOC is seeking expertise beyond its shores for the ESB repurposing. The corporation is confident of finding a foreign partner with the required specialized knowledge. This foreign entity will be entrusted with the operation of the repurposed port, given its specialized setup and the lack of local knowledge in this niche area.
The redevelopment trajectory for the ESB Port includes more than just repurposing. The plan also involves reclamation, with the intention of expanding the 19-hectare ESB Port by an additional three hectares. This expansion is pivotal to accommodate the anticipated demands of future offshore wind projects.
With the anticipated changes, the ESB Port could potentially be the Philippines' first port capable of catering to the needs of offshore wind projects. This groundbreaking venture not only places PNOC at the forefront of renewable energy but also places the Philippines on the global map of offshore wind energy production.
The Department of Energy is already making strides in the offshore wind sector. With 82 offshore wind contracts awarded and a total potential capacity of 63.36 gigawatts, the DOE is laying a strong foundation for the future of renewable energy in the Philippines.
PNOC's vision of redeveloping port assets for offshore wind projects signals a significant shift towards renewable energy. This move is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability, paving the way for a wind-powered future for the Philippines.
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