The Philippines needs better ports, more information about its seabed and more skilled workers if it wants to develop its offshore wind industry, a Norwegian maritime expert has said.
Carl Martin Faannessen, CEO of Noatun Maritime and president of the Philippines-Norway Business Council, said the country needs to improve its infrastructure before large offshore wind projects can be built.
Speaking at The Manila Times Offshore Wind Forum, Faannessen called for the development of one or two deep-water ports that could support offshore wind projects.
The Philippines has already approved dozens of offshore wind projects. However, there are currently no offshore wind turbines operating in the country’s waters.
Faannessen also said the Philippines needs better information about the seabed and more workers with the skills needed for offshore wind construction.
This will become particularly important if the country moves towards floating offshore wind farms. Much of the Philippines’ offshore wind potential is located in deeper waters, where floating turbines may be needed.
The development of ports and other infrastructure is already receiving attention, with the Asian Development Bank supporting studies into ports that could be used for offshore wind projects.
Source: The Manila Times
