Philippines issues terms of reference for its first offshore wind auction

The Philippines’ Fifth Green Energy Auction (GEA-5) will formally open the country’s first competitive auction dedicated solely to fixed-bottom offshore wind projects.

GEA-5 will offer 3.3 GW for delivery between 2028 and 2030. The TOR outlines the complete requirements, timelines and evaluation procedures for participating developers.

Philippines Energy Secretary Sharon Garin told the Philippines News Agency, “This auction pushes offshore wind from potential to reality. With clear rules, milestones and dedicated infrastructure planning, developers can now move from early studies to bankable projects.” Secretary Garin said offshore wind “can anchor our long-term clean energy transition” and GEA-5 “signals the Philippines is ready to compete for global investment.”

The DOE has identified Pambujan Port in Camarines Norte and Sta Clara Port in Batangas as installation ports, “with guidance for developers opting for private port arrangements.”

Winning bidders will be given a 20-year supply delivery period, with green energy tariff payments starting with commissioning and wholesale electricity spot market registration.

Energy Secretary Garin said the final TOR reflects extensive co-ordination across agencies and industry groups. The DOE has teamed up with the National Grid Corp of the Philippines, National Transmission Corp and Philippine Ports Authority among others for GEA-5.

World Bank advisor on offshore wind Mark Leybourne, who advised the DOE through the process of developing the TOR, said, “The DOE has had an iterative, evidence-led process, adapting the GEA4 framework for a far more complex technology, listening closely to market feedback, and recalibrating risk allocation to ensure the auction is both bankable and fair. This kind of responsiveness is rare,” he said, “even mature offshore wind markets struggle to adjust at this pace.”

Mr Leybourne said, “The Philippines is showing real leadership at a time when the global offshore wind industry is still finding its new equilibrium.”

He said the Energy Regulatory Commission in the Philippines is finalising the ceiling price for the auction, which is expected within the next 30 days, and then bidder registration can begin.

“The auction proper is planned for early 2026,” he said. “From there, the real technical effort begins – completing development work, building out transmission and preparing ports to enable the delivery of projects between 2028 and 2030. The timeline is tight but achievable, with co-ordinated action across public and private sectors.”

GWEC Philippines country manager Ann Margret Francisco said, “This is a historic day for the Philippines, and the start of a new era for offshore wind in the APAC region. This announcement follows a long period of collaboration from industry, finance groups and government to deliver terms which will deliver for the Philippines. GWEC looks forward to continuing to work with the Philippines government and realising the country’s enormous potential.”