The Department of Energy (DOE) has released the Notice of Auction (NOA) and Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Fifth Round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-5), formally opening the country’s first competitive auction dedicated solely to fixed-bottom offshore wind (OSW) projects.

GEA-5 will offer 3,300 megawatts for delivery between 2028 and 2030, advancing the entry of large-scale OSW projects into the national energy mix. The TOR outlines the complete requirements, timelines, and evaluation procedures for participating developers.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the final TOR reflects extensive coordination across agencies and industry groups. “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.”

The final TOR introduces the following refinements:

• Fixed-bottom offshore wind only, consistent with current grid and port readiness.
• 20-year Supply Delivery Period, with GET payments starting at commissioning and WESM registration.
• Strengthened OSW Infrastructure Plan, covering grid connection, port use, logistics, and milestones.
• Clear port access and queuing rules, including priority order, time-of-use, and delay penalties.
• Updated Bid Bond, Performance Bond, and GET entitlement rules, including adjustments for early or delayed commissioning.
• Provisions for Force Majeure and infrastructure-related delays, subject to DOE validation.
• Defined lender step-in rights to support financing and project continuity.

Milestone-Driven Development

GEA-5 adopts a coordinated milestone approach between developers and government agencies, tracking progress on grid studies, port readiness, permitting, construction, and delivery timelines. This is the first auction round to formally align port and transmission preparation with project milestones.

Strengthened Coordination on Ports and Transmission

The TOR reflects close coordination with NGCP, TransCo, the PPA, and other agencies. Winning bidders will be endorsed for priority processing of facility studies, REPA execution, grid connection agreements, and port scheduling.

Pambujan Port in Camarines Norte and Sta. Clara Port in Batangas are identified as installation ports, with guidance for developers opting for private port arrangements.

Next Steps for Developers

With the NOA and TOR issued, developers are encouraged to prepare registration requirements, including wind resource assessments, infrastructure plans, and corporate documents. The DOE will announce the Pre-Bid Conference and registration period on its website.

“Offshore wind can anchor our long-term clean energy transition. GEA-5 signals the Philippines is ready to compete for global investment,” Secretary Garin said.

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