Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corp. (BENLC), a joint venture between PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) and Denmark’s Copenhagen Energy (CE), was granted a pre-development environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for its 2-gigawatt Northern Luzon offshore wind project.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued the ECC on May 29, 2025, allowing BENLC to conduct essential geophysical, geotechnical, marine, environmental and social surveys in Ilocos Norte to characterize the project area’s baseline physical and social conditions. These data are crucial for the development design and environmental impact assessment.
“With the pre-development ECC approval, we will now initiate the conduct of a systematic, comprehensive, and scientific study of the site’s physical and social setting that will not only meet international industry standards but provide factual basis for assessing development concerns,” said Yrel Ventura, PGEC assistant vice president for environment and community relations.
The Department of Energy (DOE) certified the Northern Luzon offshore wind power project as an energy project of national significance (EPNS) on April 29, 2025, recognizing its potential for long-term energy, economic, technological, and environmental benefits.
The Board of Investments (BOI) also endorsed the project as a strategic investment, issuing a green lane certificate in November 2024.
The project, which involves installing 15 MW to 20 MW wind turbines off the coasts of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud towns, is expected to be operational between 2028 and 2030. It is one of the most advanced offshore wind developments in the Philippines, projected to create an estimated 24,000 direct and indirect jobs over a two-year construction phase and 30-year operational period.
PGEC and CE previously announced joint development of offshore wind projects with a combined capacity of 4,000 MW, including the Northern Luzon project. Other projects include Northern Mindoro (1,000 MW) and East Panay (500 MW to 1,000 MW).
