DOE lines up 7 wind farm development projects

The Department of Energy (DOE) has lined up at least seven wind farm development projects in line with the country’s vision to be the leading wind energy producer in Southeast Asia in the next few years.

The projects are: 20-30 megawatt (MW) wind projects in Boracay, Ilocos Norte and Surigao; a three-year wind program for Tablas and Siquijor; 40 MW Pagudpod wind project; 10 MW Abra de Ilog wind project in Mindoro; 15-MW wind project in Camiguin, Siargao and Dinagat Islands; 25-MW Northwind wind farm in Ilocos Norte; and 30-MW Smith Bell Negros Wind Farm.

Wind energy is created by strong wind flow harnessed by wind turbines to generate electricity. The utilization of wind resources has grown remarkably due to its social and environmental benefits.

Current uses of wind technology in the country are found in small-scale applications such as water pumping for agriculture and electrification of households in remote communities.

The Philippines, situated along the fringes of the Asia-Pacific monsoon belt, exhibits a promising potential for wind energy.

Based on the study conducted by the World Wildlife Fund in collaboration with the University of the Philippines, there are 1,038 wind sites in the country with a total potential capacity of 7,404 MW.

The same study identified 686 feasible sites in 28 provinces in Luzon where adequate wind energy can be harnessed.

In the Visayas, a total of 305 wind sites has been identified with a potential generating capacity of 2,170 MW.

Substantial wind resources have also been found in Mindanao, indicating the feasible application of wind power development in this region.

Based on the DOE’s Renewable Energy Policy Framework, the government aims to install at least 417 MW of wind-based projects within the next 10 years.