First wind-sourced power plant inaugurated

The country’s first wind-sourced power plant was inaugurated in Bangui, Ilocos Norte on June 18, 2005, marking a new era in power generation in this part of Asia. The power plant uses the most environment –friendly technology known to man – the windmills.

The inauguration of the North Wind Bangui Bay Wind Project Phase I was led by the Department of Energy Undersecretary Peter Anthony A. Abaya and Ilocos Norte Governor Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Forming a column of 15 wind turbines with a hub height of 70 meter and 41 meter rotor blades, the North Wind Bangui Bay Project has an installed capacity of 25 megawatts and will deliver power to the Ilocos Norte Cooperative (INEC) for distribution of electricity throughout the province. Northwind Power Development Corporation, the project proponent, has been issued a Certificate of Compliance (COC) by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), signifying compliance to the standards set forth in the Philippine Grid and Distribution Code (PGDC).

The project successfully completed its dry run on 07 May 2005. A Power Supply Agreement (PSA) has been entered into between Northwind and INEC. The said agreement has been submitted to the ERC and is now undergoing evaluation. As embodied in the Electricity Sales Agreement (ESA) that is incorporated in the PSA, Northwind will supply power to INEC at a price that is 7% cheaper than the power sourced from the National Power Corporation (NPC). Such discount will eventually be passed on to the electricity customers of the said electric cooperative (EC).

ERC Chairman Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr. hailed the project saying that “this is a big boost to the clean and green energy program of the country. It supports the government’s campaign to promote and encourage the development of renewable energy sources. The Philippines has abundant wind resources in its vast coastlines that could significantly contribute to the construction of more wind farms.”

In a recent study, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) underscored the need to restructure energy policies in the Asia-Pacific region to avert unprecedented pollution and climate changes which are often associated with the emission of coal-fired power plants. Northwind’s project together with INEC aptly addresses these concerns

Receiving the COC award from Director Edgar F. Samonte (second from left) Niels Jacobsen-President; Knud Hedeager-Director, Ferdinand A. Dumlao-Chairman of the Board; Allan Warburg-Director; Marlon M. Centeno-Director; and Jose Ildebrando B. Ambrosio-Corporate Secretary. Not in photo is Isabelo A. Braza-Director.

 

The Wind Turbines

July 29, 2005