Negros wind power project to start this year

MANILA, Philippines - First Maxpower International Corp. (FMIC), a 100- percent Filipino-owned power company, is eyeing to start within the year a wind project in Negros Occidental, its top official said.

FMIC president Francis Paderna said the company is working to start a 50-megawatt wind project in Pulupandan Negros Occidental.

He said FMIC has already submitted a letter to the Department of Energy (DOE) containing the declaration of commerciality for the project.

The company has already completed the wind resource assessment and feasibility study.

It also secured the ECC or the environmental compliance certificate and other necessary clearances from different agencies, Paderna said.

Furthermore, the company has conducted public consultations with the community, he also said.

The estimated cost of the project is $122 million but financial  negotiation is still  ongoing.

The company hopes to start the project within the year once all other requirements are complied.

The completion or target date of commercial operation is the second half of 2015, Paderna said.

The project is seen to benefit the town of Pulupandan through a share from its gross revenue, local business tax and property tax, the company said.

It will also employ many skilled and non-skilled workers during its construction and operation and maintenance of the facility.

In the area of tourism, the project is expected to attract tourists.

In addition, the wind farm will be connected to the existing Bacolod-Kabankalan 138kV transmission line of NGCP through a proposed 20 km 69 kV transmission line that will be installed along the Bago-Maao national secondary road.