The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) has teamed up with the Batangas local government unit (LGU) to explore the development of an offshore wind integration port in the province.
PNOC President and CEO Oliver Butalid and Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing the project, with key officials from both parties in attendance.
Butalid emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating: “This cooperation will send the right signal to investors, as they look for strong alignment between local and national governments. As PNOC continues to strengthen collaboration with LGUs, we recognise their critical role in energy development initiatives.”
The MoU outlines that PNOC will spearhead exploratory activities, including feasibility studies, identifying potential areas, and engaging with industry experts and government agencies. The Batangas provincial government will provide technical support, regulatory coordination, and preliminary stakeholder engagement to support the assessment process.
Butalid also noted: “When LGUs take an active role, many bottlenecks can be addressed, paving the way for significant progress in the energy sector.”
Batangas is seen as an ideal location for offshore wind development due to its proximity to existing offshore wind energy service contracts. The provincial government, known as the largest producer of fossil fuel-based energy in the country, is taking steps to diversify into renewable energy, with its Local Energy Plan (LEP) for 2024-2030 focusing on clean energy options.
Both PNOC and Batangas reaffirmed their commitment to promoting energy resources that support national self-sufficiency and economic growth. By leveraging local support, the collaboration aims to attract investment in renewable energy, particularly offshore wind infrastructure, enhancing the Philippines’ long-term energy security.
