Power project planned in Baguio

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – A wind power plant Bangui-style in Baguio?

Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. broached this possibility after visiting the Bangui Bay wind power project in Bangui, Norte during a Lakbay Aral tour July 22-24.

The mayor said he believes Baguio wind power potential in strategic locations that can be tapped as alternative energy source.

Officials of the Northwind Power Development Corp. which spearheaded the Bangui wind power plant led by lawyer Ferdinand Dumlao said Baguio being the highest city in the land indeed has potential for the development of a wind power project but a feasibility study is needed to affirm this.

The mayor said he was receptive to the idea and said this would be a project he will pursue in his administration.

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

It started with 15 gigantic wind turbines for its first phase implemented on May 7, 2005 and now has a total of 20 turbines after the completion of the second phase .

The turbines produce electricity without emitting harmful Green House gases with total generating capacity of 33 megawatts.

It now supplies 40 percent of the power needs of Ilocos Norte. Its benefits the locality through taxes and a share of one centavo for every kilowatthour energy produced.

The turbines are aesthetically arranged in a single row and now even serve as tourist come-on in the place opening additional livelihood opportunities to residents in the host community