OREI Previous Projects

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Below are the highlights of the feasibility and viability projects or offshore wind off the coasts of Jamaica and the Phillippines.

Jamaica 

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) received a grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to conduct a feasibility study for an 85 MW offshore wind farm off the coast of Jamaica. This project would represent one of the first offshore wind installations in the greater Caribbean region.

OREI carried out the study in collaboration with several U.S.-based subcontractors. The team contributed to the design, engineering, procurement, construction planning, environmental assessment, and cost analysis.

KEY PROJECT DETAILS
The optimal site for the offshore wind farm is located off the coast of Portland Point on Jamaica’s south coast, approximately 10 nautical miles seaward of Portland Bight.

During the preliminary phase, the project team considered two turbine types: the GE Haliade-X 12 MW and the MHI Vestas V164 9.5 MW turbines. However, logistical constraints hindered the development of a foundation design for the GE Haliade-X, due to the incompatibility of the site’s metocean conditions with existing transportation and installation vessels. As a result, it was recommended that further oceanographic assessments be conducted before committing to a foundation design for this turbine.

The viability assessment proceeded using the MHI Vestas V164 turbines with monopile foundations. The proposed grid connection point is located at Old Harbour in Saint Catherine Parish, near the northern edge of Portland Bight.

JAMAICA ENERGY SNAPSHOT
Jamaica, the largest and most populous English-speaking island in the Caribbean, is home to nearly 3 million people. Electrification has reached approximately 98% of the population.

Historically, Jamaica’s electricity generation has heavily depended on imported petroleum-based fuels, accounting for 95% of total energy use. With electricity costs among the highest in the region ($0.39 per kilowatt-hour compared to the regional average of $0.33), the Government of Jamaica recognized the risks posed by oil price volatility and currency exchange fluctuations.

In response, Jamaica introduced a national energy policy (2009–2030) to reduce dependence on petroleum products and increase the share of renewables in its energy mix. According to the World Bank, oil dependency declined from 95% in 2010 to 71% in 2017, with projections to reach nearly 50% by the end of 2019. Renewable energy generation almost doubled, rising from 9% to 17% during the same period.

Jamaica now aims to achieve a 50% renewable energy share by 2030. These shifts have enhanced energy security and contributed to lower electricity costs, with average rates falling from $0.40 per kilowatt-hour to $0.23 per kilowatt-hour.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
The offshore wind farm is expected to deliver substantial environmental benefits over its lifetime by providing a clean, renewable source of electricity.

1. Emissions Reductions
The project will significantly cut atmospheric emissions by replacing fossil-fuel-based electricity with wind power. If the wind farm generates approximately 250,000 kWh annually, a corresponding reduction in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions can be expected, helping to mitigate climate change and improve air quality.  

500K lbs of CO2

250k lbs of NOx

250k lbs of SOx

25k lbs of Particulate Matter

2. Reduced Fossil Fuel Transport Risks
The project also minimizes the need to import and transport oil, gas, or coal to power plants across the island. Lower carbon-fuel imports reduce the risk of environmental accidents, such as oil spills, and lessen pollution from fossil fuel extraction, processing, and transport.

Several fossil-fuel power plants are located in the Portland Bight area. By integrating offshore wind into Jamaica’s energy grid, reliance on these plants can be reduced, resulting in a cleaner environment and improved ecosystem health in the surrounding region.

PROJECT PROFILE SUMMARY

Nameplate Capacity: 85.5 MW

Wind Speed (Average): 8.25 m/s

Project Cost: US$ 2.3 bn

LCOE (10-Yr P50): $0.77 kWh

Project IRR (10-Yr P50): 9.6%

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Philippine Department of Energy commissioned a strategic roadmap to analyze the country’s offshore wind development potential under various growth scenarios. This initiative followed the World Bank’s Offshore Wind Development Program, which identified approximately 178 GW of technically harvestable offshore wind capacity within Philippine waters.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) funded the feasibility study to identify the most viable offshore wind farm locations around the country. USTDA contracted RMI and OREI as lead consultants, working alongside Aboitiz, Clime Capital, and Arup to evaluate and shortlist the top 18 potential sites. From these, three preferred locations were recommended for further analysis.

KEY PROJECT DETAILS
Each of the three preferred sites underwent detailed cost modeling and technical assessments. San Lorenzo Bank, located southeast of Iloilo City, was identified as the most commercially attractive site for development.

The proposed fixed-bottom offshore wind farm at San Lorenzo Bank is sited in an area that avoids key maritime constraints such as shipping lanes and subsea cables. The site could accommodate approximately 47 turbines rated at 15 MW each, with installation projected around 2033.

The average wind speed in the area is estimated at 8.25 meters per second. Considering seasonal and daily wind variability, the site is expected to generate approximately 2,500 GWh of electricity per year.

PHILIPPINE ENERGY SNAPSHOT
The Philippine economy continues to grow rapidly, with GDP rising more than 7.5% in 2022 and projected to maintain annual growth above 5% in the coming years. This economic expansion, driven by public infrastructure investments and private sector growth in manufacturing and services, is fueling rising domestic energy demand.

In response, the government has adopted ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for a 35% share of renewables in the energy mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040. Key policy initiatives include the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), designed to accelerate investment in clean energy sources.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
The San Lorenzo Bank offshore wind farm is expected to deliver substantial environmental benefits throughout its operational lifespan by supplying clean, renewable electricity to the Philippine grid.

1. Emissions Reduction
The wind farm will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing electricity generated from fossil fuels. Assuming an annual output of approximately 2,500 GWh, the project will offset large volumes of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants each year.

2500k lbs of CO2: 

2500k lbs of NOx

2500k lbs of SOx

250k lbs of Particulate Matter

2. Long-Term Environmental Impact
Offshore wind is a renewable energy source that also reduces the environmental risks associated with fuel extraction, transportation, and combustion, further supporting the Philippines’ transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

PROJECT PROFILE SUMMARY  

Nameplate Capacity: 855 MW

Wind Speed (Average):7.65 m/s

Project Cost: US$ 353 m

LCOE (10-Yr P50): $0.77 kwh

Project IRR (10-Yr P50): 10.29%