Phl’s wind energy hotspots to be identified

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will conduct a nationwide wind measurement project to identify the country’s wind energy hotspots.

Science Secretary Mario Montejo said that the agency, through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), as well as line agency PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) and its Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), will undertake the nationwide wind speed mapping to identify possible sites for wind farms.

“From the data we will generate, investors can make the decision and choose sites where they can build wind farms,” Montejo told The STAR in a recent interview.

Currently, local or foreign energy firms do their own wind measurements in certain locations to assess the feasibility of establishing wind farms for power generation.

Montejo said Danish Ambassador Nicolai Ruge had recently informed DOST officials of his estimate that the Philippines has about 15,000 megawatts of potential wind energy.

“That’s a huge amount of potential energy. We must find out these sites where we can harness that wind,” the DOST chief said.