Plans set for 206MW onshore wind project in the Philippines

Renewables energy developer Vena Energy, Vivant Energy Corporation and Aboitiz Renewables Inc. have signed an agreement to develop the 206MW San Isidro Wind project, in the Philippines.

The wind farm, touted to be the largest onshore wind project in the Philippines, will be located in San Isidro, Northern Samar.

The project will consist of 33 wind turbine generators with a capacity of 6.25MW each.

“It is a pivotal moment for Vivant to partner with ARI and Vena Energy in the San Isidro Wind Power Project. We share the same vision of helping the country address its critical power needs via a renewables solution to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Emil Andre Garcia, president and CEO of Vivant Energy Corporation.

“We are excited to partner with Vena Energy and Vivant Energy so that together, we can contribute to the Philippines’ clean energy aspirations. This undertaking demonstrates ARI’s progress in growing its renewable energy capacity to 4,600MW and is another momentous step in realising our 10-year strategy of achieving a 50:50 balance in our renewable and thermal portfolios,” said ARI president and chief operating officer James Arnold Villaroman.

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The partners expect the project will reach financial close in the fourth quarter of 2023, with commercial operation planned for the first quarter of 2025.

According to the International Trade Administration, the Philippines has an abundance of renewable energy potential. The sector comprises 1,932MW geothermal resources, 1,382MW solar, 443MW wind energy, 1,161MW hydropower, and 759 MW biomass.

The government has recently introduced a number of policies to encourage investment in renewable energy development. These policies have resulted in the introduction of renewable energy portfolio standards, auction programmes, a renewables market trading system, and in November 2022, the government opened projects to 100% foreign ownership to allow faster entry of renewable energy investments.