Wind farms to ease looming power crisis

By Freddie Lazaro

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla cited recently the great contribution of the various wind farm projects in Ilocos Norte in easing the looming power crisis next year.

Speaking at last week’s 40th Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) of the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) in Bangui, this province, Petilla said the projected 200 megawatts (MW) additional power production next year will come from this province.

“The establishment of various wind farms in Ilocos Norte is very impressive because it is a renewable energy source; it is a long-term self-sustaining project not affected in case the prices of coal and diesel will increase; and it is an environment – friendly power generator,” he said.

In his short visit, the Department of Energy Secretary inspected the windmill power projects such as the existing 33 megawatt (MW) capacity Bangui Wind Farm; the on-going 150 MW capacity Burgos Wind Project; and the 81MW capacity Pagudpud Wind Farm.

“These wind farms projects are very much beneficial not only in Ilocos Norte but in the entire Luzon Grid; it is costless power generator because it has low maintenance and no emission when it entered into the grid,” he said.

“Once these wind farms in Ilocos Norte are fully – operationalized early next year, it can produce 200 MW on – line,” he added.