AC Energy Corp. said Wednesday it is building what could be country’s biggest wind project with a combined capacity of 160 megawatts in Balaoi and Caunayan in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and a cost of P11.4 billion.
The project will help bring ACEN closer to its 2025 goal of achieving 5,000 MW of renewable energy target. The wind farm is ACEN’s latest project with long-time partner UPC Renewables.
It is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter next year,in time for full-year operations in 2023, when supply in the Luzon energy market is expected to be tight.
The project will be the third wind development of ACEN in Ilocos Norte, along with the NorthWind wind farm in Bangui and the North Luzon Renewables wind farm in Pagudpud.
“We are very excited to begin the construction of the Balaoi & Caunayan Wind Farm, which will be the largest and lowest-cost renewable energy producer in the country,” said ACEN chief development officer Jose Maria Zabaleta.
“This project will further augment AC Energy’s generating capacity, following our recently completed solar farms and battery storage plants, and will contribute to the growth of our renewables share as we scale up our sustainable investments,” he said.
Once completed, ACEN will double its wind energy capacity in the country. Upon completion of the infusion of AC Energy International into ACEN, its total renewable capacity will exceed 2,000 MW.
“The site of the Balaoi & Caunayan Wind Farm has one of the best wind resources in the country and its construction marks the culmination of over ten years of development work. We are grateful for the continuing support of the Ilocos Norte provincial government and the municipality of Pagudpud in helping to bring this project to fruition” said David Sutton, chief executive of UPC Renewables Philippines.
The wind farm will utilize turbines from Siemens Gamesa who will supply, install and commission 32 SG 132 and 145 wind turbines, with a total capacity of 5 MW each, set to optimize the renewable energy production in the wind farm.
AC Energy also aims to spur inclusive and sustainable economic growth to host communities in Ilocos Norte.
It said wind development would bring significant value to the community by creating job opportunities to help reignite the community amid the pandemic.
AC Energy said it is committed to playing a meaningful role in the country’s green-led recovery and work towards becoming the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia.