Offshore wind projects and local fisheries can coexist in the Philippines, provided that careful planning and financial safeguards are in place to manage the transition. While building these facilities likely causes temporary disruptions to fishing grounds, the broader economic benefits and potential for new habitats can eventually offset these losses, according to the authors of the newly released report.
The report states that “fishing can be carried out in areas outside the wind farm core during the operational phase, and turbine foundations may attract and support fish populations.” Furthermore, the authors note that while construction creates challenges, “the model results indicate that the positive induced effects from OFW are large enough to offset this impact, enabling the agriculture sector to achieve a net benefit.”
In simple terms, building wind turbines at sea is a double-edged sword for fishing communities. During the construction years, heavy activity makes it hard for boats to work in certain areas. However, once the turbines are running, the underwater bases act like artificial reefs that can actually increase fish numbers. If the government and energy companies provide fair payments and help fishers find new ways to earn money during the setup phase, the total economic boost from the wind project can be greater than what was foraged in the past.
Released in March 2026 by the Global Wind Energy Council, the report “Offshore Wind for Coastal Development: Socio-Economic Impact Study” explores the economic potential of wind energy in the Philippines. It was prepared by a joint team of experts from GWEC and the consultancy NIRAS, led by Ann Margret Francisco and Juan Miguel Consolacion.
