Buhawind launches multi-stakeholder partnerships for Ilocos Norte offshore wind feasibility studies

November 25, 2025

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, November 25, 2025 — Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corporation (BENLC), a subsidiary of PetroGreen Energy Corporation (PGEC), launched on November 20, 2025, a multi-stakeholders collaboration for the feasibility studies of the Northern Luzon offshore wind power project. Three key activities were kicked off during the ceremonial event - the commissioning of two scanning LiDAR units and a second meteorological mast to validate prior satellite and 3-years of actual site wind measurement from a pre-existing met mast, the start of a comprehensive environmental and social impact study led by global firm Arup for the project’s development ECC, and formalization of academe-industry partnership for workforce development in Ilocos Norte, with Mapúa University (Mapúa) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). Organized by BENLC and the Ilocos Norte provincial government, the event was supported and attended by representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), the Board of Investment (BOI), the Royal Danish Embassy, Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Aprendio, Arup, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Taisei Corp., Mapúa, MMSU, Divine Word College of Laoag, Philippine Marines, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Education (DepEd), and the local government units of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud. Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Marcos-Manotoc graced the event and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to enabling responsible renewable energy development. “I assure Buhawind, that you have in us a strong partner. We should continue to harness the power of the wind and make sure that it will have a positive impact on our people, their livelihoods, our environment, and the economy as a whole,” said Vice Governor Manotoc. Vice Governor Manotoc highlighted the need for renewable energy development to contribute to lowering retail electricity prices and to generate high-quality permanent green jobs for Ilocos Norte. He lauded the early engagement with the academe, emphasizing its role in skills enhancement and educating the local workforce to meet industry demands. BENLC Vice President for Operations Ms. Maria Victoria Olivar declared, “By engaging third parties to conduct resource validation and environmental impact study of our offshore wind project, we are taking a responsible, deliberate, and transparent approach to development,” said VP Olivar. “Equally important is the start of our workforce development program with Mapua and MMSU, with the support of the GWEC and the Royal Embassy of Denmark, which symbolizes the power of international and cross-sectoral collaboration to foster knowledge-sharing that will benefit not only our project but the entire region,” adds VP Olivar. Officials from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Board of Investments (BOI) also praised Buhawind’s milestones and its alignment with the country’s offshore wind program. “The DOE welcomes the feasibility milestones achieved by BENLC,” Assistant Director Ruby de Guzman said. “These activities – wind resource validation, environmental and socio-economic studies, and capacity-building with academic institutions – reflect the careful, science-based, and community-centered approach we expect from responsible offshore wind developers. For his part, Board of Investments (BOI) Executive Director Atty. Bobby Fondevilla declared, “Buhawind’s active engagement with government partners, LGUs, and academic institutions demonstrates the level of collaboration needed to build a strong offshore wind industry in the country. The BOI remains committed to facilitating high-impact renewable energy investments that promote inclusive growth and reinforce the Philippines’ position as an attractive destination for clean energy development.”