3rd Wind Energy Forum: Key Insights and Discussion Highlights Offshore Wind Challenges and Developments in the Philippines

The 3rd Philippines Wind Energy Forum, hosted by NIRAS Asia Manila in collaboration with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), HSBC, the British Embassy, the Royal Danish Embassy, and the Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (NordCham), concluded successfully on 28–29 May 2025 at Dusit Thani, Makati City, bringing together key public and private sector players to exchange knowledge, discuss policy, and align interests critical to advancing the country’s offshore wind (OSW) industry.

Day 1 Highlights: Setting the Stage for Offshore Wind

The forum opened with welcome remarks by Bo Lundqvist, President of NordCham Philippines, and a keynote message by Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin of the Royal Danish Embassy, both emphasizing the urgency and opportunity in accelerating OSW development.

Key discussions featured leading experts, including:

• Grace Kuo, Director, Technical Advisory of NIRAS, on technical support for offshore wind in emerging markets;
• Viktoria Locson, Renewable Energy Lead - Asia Energy, Ports & Projects of Blue Water Shipping, on OSW construction-stage challenges;
• Kalyani Basu, Manager at Asia Carbon Trust, on supply chain readiness;
• Engr. Fortunato C. Leynes, President of TransCo, on grid integration challenges;
• Usec. Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo, Department of Energy, on offshore wind port development in the Philippines;
• Matthew Carpio, Head of Transaction Advisory of Climate Smart Ventures, on Risk Sharing Mechanisms; and
• Randy David Monsanto, Senior Environment Consultant of NIRAS, on ensuring environment and social safeguards are in place.

A dynamic panel discussion explored how to inclusively support OSW development, with Ann Margaret Francisco, Philippine Country Manager of GWEC, as the panel host, alongside Jun Amolo, Philippines Country Manager of Ocean Energy Pathway; Marita Rodriguez, Executive Director of NGOs for Fisheries Reform; and Randy David Monsanto, Senior Environment Consultant of NIRAS. This was followed by closing remarks from John Stasig Moerk, APAC Regional Director of NIRAS, reinforcing the need for sustained multi-stakeholder cooperation.

Day 2 Highlights: Financing, Policy, and Market Outlook

Day 2 opened with opening remarks by Marissa Cerezo, Director IV of the Department of Energy, reaffirming the government’s commitment to accelerating offshore wind energy projects and initiatives in the country.
This was followed by a keynote message by Ambassador Laure Beaufils of the British Embassy Manila, stressing the UK’s commitment to green energy partnerships in the region.

Key discussions included:

• Joyce Ann Asilo, Senior Business Development Manager, NIRAS, presenting a Philippine OSW market update;
• Ann Margaret Francisco, Philippine Country Manager GWEC, sharing insights from the Global Wind Report;
• Raphael Badillo, Director III of PPP Center, on the role of Public-Private Partnerships in unlocking OSW development.

The forum also provided an in-depth look into insurance considerations for OSW, with perspectives from:

• Viktoria Locson, Renewable Energy Lead – APAC of Blue Water Shipping, panel host;
• Sam Liu, Head of Renewable Energy, Natural Resources Asia, Willis Towers Watson, on insurance strategies for OSW;
• Richard Nunny, Head of Renewable Energy APAC, AON.

It also delved into discussions from a financing perspective with invited experts:

• Stephen C. Phillips, Senior Adviser, BDO Unibank Inc.;
• Jaime Mendejar, Senior Manager for Sustainable Finance of HSBC;
• Valentino Vickneesh Dass, Country Head Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines, UK Export Finance (UKEF);
• Roland Janssens, Managing Director, Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG);
• Hoon Lee, Investment Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

These sessions wrapped up in an engaging panel discussion hosted by Atty. David Rosario, Trade and Investment Manager, Clean Growth at the British Embassy Manila, with panelists from BDO, HSBC, AIIB, PIDG, and Pentagreen Capital. The forum concluded with closing remarks by Joyce Anne Asilo, Senior Business Development Manager of NIRAS.

A Platform for Action

The 3rd Philippines Wind Energy Forum served as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, sharing practical knowledge, and forging new partnerships essential for the country's offshore wind transition. The comprehensive two-day program enabled stakeholders to align on pressing issues such as regulatory frameworks, port and grid infrastructure, supply chain capacity, and investment pathways.

As the Philippines advances toward its clean energy goals, the insights, strategies, and connections built during this forum will play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and thriving offshore wind industry. The event not only underscored the country’s vast OSW potential but also showed that, with strong collaboration and strategic support, the Philippines is well-positioned to emerge as a regional leader in offshore renewable energy.

As co-organizers, NordCham Philippines extends special thanks to NIRAS Asia Manila for hosting the event, in partnership with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), HSBC, the British Embassy, and the Danish Embassy.

We would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the forum’s success. Your presence and engagement are invaluable to building the future of offshore wind in the Philippines.