Constraints Mapping and Environmental Assessment
Background
Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP) is developing multiple offshore wind projects in the Philippines to contribute a total of 2 GW of renewable power. We were engaged to support early-phase environmental assessments and regulatory compliance, aligning the projects with national permitting requirements.
The challenge
The project needs the following:
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Environmental and social constraint mapping to assess potential development risks with a focus on land use, geohazards, coastal habitats and protected areas, fisheries, tourism, navigation, aviation, existing tenements, unexploded ordnance (UXO), cultural heritage and ancestral domains
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Permitting works for wind resource study
Our response
We provided environmental services for three offshore wind sites:
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Dagupan Offshore Wind Power Project
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San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Power Project
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Samar Norte Offshore Wind Power Project
Our team conducted Phase 1 constraint mapping for each site, identifying key environmental, technical, and social factors affecting project viability. This process involved rigorous researching of available information, analysing geospatial data, evaluating coastal habitats, reviewing potential water use conflicts, and rating all the identified constraints.
Phase 2 focused on regulatory support for the wind study at the three OSW sites. Our work includes liaison with key government agencies such as the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and local government units (LGUs). We also provided technical support by preparing the designs for the installation of the wind measurement device (LiDAR) as part of the requirements for securing the permits.
The impact
Our assessments have equipped COP with valuable insights into site-specific challenges, enabling more refined project planning and minimizing permitting risks. This work laid the groundwork, giving the project a head start to achieve key milestones more efficiently.