Italy supports renewable energy in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - The Italian government, through Ambassador Luca Fornari, expressed full support for the utilization of renewable energy in the Philippines as it acknowledged the huge power potential of Oriental Mindoro during the recent signing of the memorandum of agreement for the construction of Phase 1 of a 48-megawatt wind power project in the province.

“Our government is wishing that more investors will pour their resources in the development of renewable energy in the Philippines,” Fornari said.

Phase 1 of the project, which totals 16 megawatts of wind energy and will cost about P2 billion, will be in the town of Puerto Galera.

According to its main proponent, 1st District Congressman Rodolfo Valencia, the wind power project is the biggest renewable energy undertaking in Mindoro island and signals Oriental Mindoro becoming the new “power basket” in the country.

Aside from the wind project, renewable energy projects such as hydro-electric power tapping water resources, gas, and coal are being developed.

Once the project is completed, the current P13 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) charge will be lowered to an estimated P6.50 per kwh.

The project will be managed by Philippine Hybrid Energy Systems, Inc. (PHESI), a private company with Italian links that handles electric transmission grid projects and specializes in operating electric transmission stations and power plants.

The $44 million project is envisioned to be the “most modern and most efficient” wind power facility in the Philippines.

According to PHESI officials Armando de Rossi and Nicanor Villaseñor, only about 10 to 15 percent of total project cost will be allotted to maintenance. Once the project becomes fully operational, Oriental Mindoro is estimated to reach a total electric generating capacity of 260 megawatts.