PNOC inks deal with Japanese group for wind energy projects

MANILA, Philippines - State-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) has entered into an agreement with a Japanese consortium for the conduct of feasibility studies on wind energy development projects.

PNOC said the alliance was formed with Mecaro Rio Vista Energy Corp. (MOREnergy), Mecaro Co. Ltd., Philippine Nippon Steel Construction (PNS Construction) and ESCA Engineering.

PNOC said it will share with the consortium available technical, financial and environmental studies and information related to the country’s wind energy program.

On the other hand, the consortium members will make available their expertise in the development of wind energy projects in areas where the generation of electric and mechanical power using wind energy has been proven to be a viable alternative.

The newest wind technology PNOC is eyeing, the Spiral Magnus Wind Turbine developed by Mecaro, does not make use of common propeller-type blades. 

Instead, the technology makes use of cylinder-shaped blades with spirally-arranged fins attached around the cylinders. The result is a wind turbine that achieves higher efficiencies in lower wind speeds than traditional wind turbines. Because rotational speed is about one-sixth of common propeller types, these turbines are relatively quiet and typhoon-resistant.

The Spiral Magnus Wind Turbine employs the proven Magnus Effect: lift, which turns the turbines that generates electricity by spinning cylinders in a wind stream.

Energy Secretary and PNOC chairman Angelo T. Reyes lauded the joint cooperation.

“Studies by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that the country has a total wind resource of 76,600 megawatts (MW) and PNOC intends to tap into this abundant renewable energy source with the latest in wind technology,” he noted.

For his part, PNOC president Antonio M. Cailao said they are “hitting the ground running as PNOC pursues its wind energy development program.”

We are excited to sign this cooperation with the group of MOREnergy which is just as serious in making renewable energy work for us and for our country using the latest wind turbine technology.”

PNOC will also assist the MOREnergy group in coordinating with other government agencies, NGOs and other organizations for the successful promotion and implementation of wind energy projects in the Philippines . MOREnergy will help PNOC in obtaining technical assistance and technology transfer in the field of wind energy development.

 “They will also help PNOC develop practical applications of wind power in rural areas and areas not adequately served by electric utilities,” Cailao said.

Mecaro Co. Ltd. is a leading Japanese company in the field of renewable energy, specifically compact wind turbines.  It is the registered patent owner of the first Spiral Magnus wind turbine and all its parts and accessories. – Donnabelle Gatdula