Offshore Wind in the Philippines

Overview & Synopsis

The case study highlights how the World Bank Group ’s ESMAP program has helped catalyze the offshore wind sector in the Philippines. Since 2019, ESMAP and IFC have worked closely with the Philippines government and industry partners to turn offshore wind from an untapped resource into a central pillar of the country’s energy strategy. Through technical assistance—such as resource assessments, a national roadmap, policy and regulatory support, study visits and capacity building—ESMAP helped strengthen enabling conditions for investment and development. This support contributed to major reforms, including establishing a comprehensive policy framework, and launching the country’s first offshore wind auction (GEA-5). As a result, the Philippines has attracted strong private sector interest, and set clear deployment targets, with first power expected by the end of the decade. The story demonstrates ESMAP’s impact in accelerating energy transition: strengthening energy security, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, enabling large-scale renewable capacity, and unlocking economic benefits such as jobs, infrastructure, and investment.