The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has stated that the Philippines’ pursuit of energy independence will necessitate the accelerated development of renewable energy sources. Wind power is expected to serve as a significant component of the country’s future energy mix.

The GWEC expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent remarks during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), in which he emphasized a goal of reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

“Ngunit siyempre, mas pinapa-halagaahan natin ang mga teknolohiya na hindi umaasa sa inaangkat na krudo—na pinapa-andar ng mga likas na yaman ng ating bansa, tulad ng renewables at indigenous,” Marcos said. [“But of course, we give greater importance to technologies that do not rely on imported crude oil — those powered by our country’s own natural resources, such as renewables and indigenous energy sources.”]

Ann Francisco, GWEC Asia Pacific Director, noted that the President’s comments reinforce the role of wind energy in enhancing national energy security.

“Wind is definitely a cornerstone of this pathway to strengthen the country’s energy independence and long-term energy security,” Francisco said.

Offshore Wind and GEA-5 Auction Timeline

The GWEC identified offshore wind as a major growth area, noting the technology is expected to be included in the government’s fifth Green Energy Auction (GEA-5). The Department of Energy has announced an indicative timeline to resume the recalibrated GEA-5 offshore wind auction, with the auction proper tentatively scheduled for December 1, 2026.

The Department of Energy stated the auction reset is intended to align the process with actual readiness regarding several factors, including port infrastructure, permitting processes, environmental requirements, grid integration, and global supply chain conditions.

The GEA-5 was originally designed to auction 3,300 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity, representing the first dedicated offshore wind auction in the Philippines.

Infrastructure and Investment Requirements

According to the GWEC, unlocking investments in offshore wind requires progress that extends beyond auction rounds. The group noted that upgrades are necessary in transmission networks, port facilities, and project development frameworks.

“We remain committed to supporting the government in refining the auction framework. Strengthening enabling infrastructure, improving project bankability, and establishing a credible long-term project pipeline will be essential to unlocking offshore wind investment at scale,” Francisco said.

The GWEC’s 2026 Global Wind Report listed the Philippines among the Asia-Pacific markets that are advancing policies to support wind energy development. The council emphasized that coordination between the government and the industry will be critical to ensuring that future auctions attract investment and deliver projects.

Francisco stated that ongoing collaboration is required to develop a competitive offshore wind sector capable of supporting industrial growth, energy security, and lower electricity costs in the long term. The Philippines is currently targeting increased renewable energy penetration in its power mix, with offshore wind identified as an emerging technology to help diversify the nation's energy sources.