Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said over the weekend Executive Order No. 21 will further enhance the implementation of the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop system especially for offshore wind projects.
Gatchalian said EO 21 and EVOSS were expected to clear the way for the development of more renewable energy projects, particularly OSWs, as the permitting process of such projects would be simplified significantly.
“Boosting offshore wind power will reduce dependence on imported fuel and speed up energy transition. This can also promote a more conducive investment environment that will provide jobs and increase economic growth,” said Gatchalian, the principal author of Republic Act 11234 or the EVOSS Act.
EO 21 mandated the Department of Interior and Local Government to submit to the Department of Energy a complete list of appropriate permits required by local government units, including the requirements, fees and procedures, which will then be integrated into the EVOSS platform.
All permitting agencies are directed to ensure the efficient and timely processing of permits. It also requires them to follow EVOSS time frames.
“The objective of institutionalizing the EVOSS system is to streamline the permitting process of power generation, transmission, and distribution projects or simply, eliminate red tape in the energy sector. We are confident of realizing this objective, making it easier for investors to develop more OSW projects,” Gatchalian said.
The EO directs DOE develop and issue a policy and administrative framework for the optimal development of OSW resources within 60 days from the issuance of the order.
“With heightened investor interest in energy projects, especially in renewable energy, it is crucial to have a clear framework that would speed up the development of OSW and speed up approvals of necessary permits. We will work together with the concerned government agencies, local government units, and the transmission concessionaire to implement the President’s directive,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.