Talisay gov’t eyeing wind power for city

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government is exploring the possibility of constructing a wind power in the city. 

A Belgian-manufactured wind turbine was installed at the city hall’s rooftop yesterday to measure wind velocity and other data needed for a blast operation in the future. 

Talisay City Mayor Johnny de los Reyes said there is a need to augment sustainable energy program to generate more electricity with the installation of wind turbine in the city. 

“The wind turbine installed at the city hall will be there for a three-week period,” de los Reyes said, adding that necessary information furnished by the wind turbine will also determine the model and type of wind-powered equipment that will be used for the project. 

Within five to 10 years, the wind turbine’s power is expected to have an output that can produce enough electricity consequently bringing down electrical costs to zero, the mayor said. 

De los Reyes believes that the city has its wind potential in strategic locations that can be tapped as alternative energy source.

“It will ease the city’s burden and dependence to VECO (Visayan Electric Company), which is the main source of power at the City Hall,” De los Reyes said. 

At present, the city government is reportedly paying P3 million a month for its electricity supply. 

De los Reyes would like to duplicate the Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte, which were built to reduce the emission of harmful greenhouse gases that cause global warming. 

The Bangui wind power plant located along the shorelines of Bangui bay is the first of its kind in South East Asia.

It started with 15 gigantic wind turbines and now has a total of 20 turbines that produce electricity without emitting harmful Green House gases. The windmills reportedly generate a total capacity of 33 megawatts. — (FREEMAN)