Sound policy direction imperative for vital RE projects–denr chief

OFficials of the department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) justified the “freeze order” issued by Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-loyzaga in the acceptance, processing and approval of environmental compliance certificates (ECC) for offshore wind and f loating solar energy projects underscoring the importance of putting in place a sound policy direction for the implementation of such renewable energy (RE) projects.

In fact, the DENR is looking at having two different interim guidelines—one each for offshore wind energy and f loating solar energy projects—which would be both released by June. The guidelines, however, will only cover the pre-development stage of offshore wind and floating solar energy projects.

The guidelines will be further enhanced, again with the help of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to come up with a clear-cut policy for the two relatively RE projects that will be ready by the end of December.

DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Jonas R. Leones said, however, that any delay will not result in the loss of private sector investment, and justified the need to come up with the guidelines before accepting, processing and approving or denying ECC applications.

“There is no loss. The projects are in the initial stages only. The gestation period of these projects is 3 to 7 years,” he said.

He added the Department of Energy (DOE) was the one who requested the DENR to come up with the guidelines considering that these projects may bring potential adverse environmental impacts.