AC Energy starts works on Philippines' largest wind farm

MANILA, Philippines — AC Energy Corp. (ACEN) has started the construction of its third wind farm in Ilocos Norte, the largest in the country to date.

In a statement yesterday, ACEN said it has begun works on the 160-megawatt (MW) Balaoi and Caunayan wind project in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

The wind farm has 32 of the latest wind turbines – each capable of producing five MW – from leading supplier Siemens Gamesa, optimizing the renewable energy production in the wind farm.

“We are very excited to begin the construction of the Balaoi and Caunayan wind farm, which will be the largest and lowest cost renewable energy producer in the country,” ACEN chief development officer Jose Maria Zabaleta said.

“This project will further augment AC Energy’s generating capacity, following our recently completed solar farms and battery storage plants, and will contribute to the growth of our renewables share as we scale up our sustainable investments,” he said.

Once completed, AC Energy will double its wind energy capacity in the country. And upon completion of the infusion of AC Energy International into ACEN, its total renewables capacity will be over 2,000 MW out of the 5,000 MW target by 2025.

The wind farm, with a project cost of P11.4 billion, is ACEN’s latest project with long-time partner, UPC Renewables.

“The site of the Balaoi and Caunayan wind farm has one of the best wind resources in the country and its construction marks the culmination of over 10 years of development work. We are grateful for the continuing support of the Ilocos Norte provincial government and the municipality of Pagudpud in helping to bring this project to fruition,” UPC Renewables Philippines CEO David Sutton said.

The project is targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2022, in time for full year operations in 2023, when supply in the Luzon energy market is expected to be tight.

It will be the third wind development of AC Energy in Ilocos Norte, along with the NorthWind wind farm in Bangui and the North Luzon Renewables wind farm in Pagudpud.

As the wind farm takes shape to eventually provide clean energy to the grid, ACEN said it also aims to spur inclusive and sustainable economic growth to its host communities in Ilocos Norte, bringing significant value to the community by creating job opportunities.

The company said the Balaoi and Caunayan wind farm is another example of its efforts to create shared value in the communities where it operates – ensuring renewable energy supply while strengthening community vitality.

ACEN said it remains committed to play a meaningful role in the country’s green-led recovery, and work toward its aspiration of becoming the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia.