Japan wind turbine maker puts up plant in Romblon

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese wind turbine manufacturer Komaihaltec Inc. has partnered with Romblon’s power cooperative to put up a P242-million wind turbine power plant to meet the island’s growing energy needs.

The Japanese firm formed a joint venture with Romblon Electric Cooperative Inc. (Romelco) with the assistance from the Ministry of the Environment of Japan to complete the 900-kilowatt (kw) wind farm by November.

The project is comprised of three wind turbines located in Barangays Bagacay, Lonos and Agnay in the municipality of Romblon. Each wind turbine has a power generating capacity of 300 kw, totaling 900 kw.

Romelco general manager Rene Fajilagutan said 50 percent of the total cost of the project is funded by a grant from the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, while the other half is shouldered by Komaihaltec.

Once up and running, the wind turbines would be leased to them for four years at P6.19 per kilowatt hour (kwh) without value added taxes, he said.

“It will be based on the actual production, actual output of the wind turbine generator. No fixed amount per month. After four years, the power plant will be turned over to Romelco,” Fajilagutan said.

The wind project is among the many initiatives of Romelco aimed at contributing to the sustainable development of the province, while helping curb the effects of climate change.