NorthWind to proceed with Cagayan wind power project

MANILA, Philippines - Northpoint Wind Power Corp., a subsidiary of NorthWind Power Development Corp., is pushing through with its 40-megawatt wind power project in Aparri, Cagayan.

NorthWind chairman Ferdinand Dumlao said their subsidiary has started gathering data and has been continuing its efforts to secure the necessary government permits for the $95-million wind project.

“We have set up Northpoint for the Cagayan project funded with fresh equity. Approvals from the Environment and Natural Resources and Energy departments and the local government units are being processed,” Dumlao said.

Dumlao said the Aparri project is the company’s top priority this year. Aparri sits at the mouth of the Cagayan river, about 55 miles north of Tugegarao.

“Still too many work to be done but we are progressing,” Dumlao said.

The NorthWind executive said the project has received support from Japanese, Danish and Spanish investors and creditors. He said NorthWind is also hoping to sign supply contracts with the electric cooperatives in Cagayan.

NorthWind has completed the expansion of the 33-MW Bangui Bay wind project in Ilocos Norte, the largest wind farm in Southeast Asia.

The Bangui Bay project, estimated to cost $50 million, sells electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative and provides 40 percent of the power requirements of the province of Ilocos Norte.

Dumlao said the passage of the Renewable Energy Bill will help entice investors to come in and invest in RE projects such as wind.

“The provision in the RE bill that will allow investors to enjoy incentives will help promote wind energy development,” he said.

The Philippines is one of the biggest sources of wind power in the world. Based on government data, the country can harness some 200 MW to 400MW from wind energy sources in the next 15 years to 20 years.