SU CED hosts lectures on renewal energy and offshore wind projects
The Silliman University (SU) College of Engineering and Design held a lecture titled “Green Job, Brighter Future: Offshore Wind Energy & Global Opportunities” as part of the 124th SU Founders Day Celebration on August 26, 2025, at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium.
The insightful forum on renewable energy and sustainability brought together three (3) distinguished guest speakers.
Engr. Rene Tuballa, Empire Wind 1 Offshore Power Development project development consultant and member of SU Electrical Engineering (EE) Class of 1984, discussed his roles as a consultant, such as overseeing the Large Generator Interconnection Agreement (LGIA) between Equinor’s Empire Wind 1 project, New York ISO (NYISO) and Consolidated Edison Company of New York; reviewing Engineering and Contract Specifications; overseeing installation of wind turbines, among other things.
Empire Wind is a project led by Equinor, a global energy company with over two decades of offshore wind expertise and a well-established portfolio in major markets such as the UK, Poland, Germany, and South Korea.
Meanwhile, Engr. Emmanuel Sorreta, a freelance consultant for offshore construction projects and member of the EE Class of 1984, delved into the technological aspect of offshore wind projects, including the major components of offshore winds power systems, the process with which a project materializes from the on-shore to the off-shore phase, the steps in installing these components offshore, and the different types of boats or vessels used offshore to support these operations.
Finally, Dr. Francisco G. Delfin, Jr., PetroGreen Energy Corporation (PGEC) president & CEO, presented a more interdisciplinary approach to understanding renewable energy and PGEC’s contributions in the field.
“Given the very real energy and climate crisis that we are facing – whether it’s in terms of your monthly power bill, hearing the recurring blackouts in Siquijor, or the perennial flooding and worsening disasters that we are facing here and also in all […] parts of the world – I think this affects everyone, and we all have to stay in ensuring that offshore wind development in the country proceeds properly,” Delfin said.
According to him, the Philippines has a significant indigenous offshore wind resource. That resource, when properly harnessed, can be a game-changer for the country in terms of its economy, energy supply, and overall sustainability.
Delfin underscored that harnessing it correctly and wisely “faces very real hurdles,” such as investment, infrastructure, and policy.
PGEC is the renewable energy arm of PetroEnergy Resources Corporation (PERC) based in the Philippines. It manufactures renewable energy equipment and specializes in renewable energy sources to produce geothermal, wind, and solar power development projects.
Dr. Marl V. Ferenal, SU Board of Trustees member, organized the event, in collaboration with the College of Engineering and Design, under the leadership of Engr. Klint Ian V. Austero, CED dean, and the Silliman University Future Electrical Engineers.
Engr. Debonaire T. Mamhot, SU Facilities Management and Administrative Services (FMAS) chief, gave the welcome remarks on behalf of the Office of the SU President.
