First Gen mulls 200-MW wind power projects

MANILA, Philippines -  First Gen Corp., the power generation arm of the Lopez group, plans to develop up to 200-megawatt wind power projects in the medium term, a top company official said.

First Gen will undertake the proposed wind power projects through its renewable energy subsidiary, First Gen Renewables Inc. (FGRI).

Francis Giles Puno, First Gen president, said they expect wind power to account for at least 200 MW in the company’s portfolio by 2015.

Puno said they expect to spend about $2.5 million to $3 million per megawatt or about $600 million for the wind power projects.

FGRI has applied for renewable energy service contracts from the Department of Energy (DOE) for 14 wind sites.

He said they have already given priority over six wind sites. These are in Mercedes (Camarines Norte); Burgos (Ilocos Norte); Palanan and Ilagan (Isabela), Pandan (Catanduanes); Culaba (Biliran) and Basud (Camarines Norte).

At present, FGRI has been conducting wind measurement processes in the Mercedes site for more than a year now.

According to Puno, they are also currently assessing the five other sites for possible installation of wind measuring equipment similar to that in Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

The company, he said, is optimistic that it could start with its 86 MW wind power project in Burgos, Ilocos Norte soon.

In early 2000, FGRI commenced the design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning and operation of a 180 kilowatts wind-diesel hybrid system for Batan Island , the largest island in Batanes.

The hybrid system, assisted by a 1.2 MW diesel plant, is designed to reduce diesel consumption and provide a sustainable electric service to the island, which has an average load demand of 300 kW.