Biggest Wind Farm in the PH Begins Construction Under Ayala’s AC Energy

AC Energy, an investment of Ayala Corporation, has entered into the construction phase of its 160-megawatt Balaoi & Caunayan wind farm project in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. This allows the firm to be one step closer to its goal of becoming a key player in the renewable energy (RE) scene in the country.

The project is poised to be the biggest wind farm upon completion, which is targeted in the fourth quarter of 2022. Commercial operations are set for the first quarter of 2023. This joint venture between AC Energy and its foreign partner UPC Renewables involves an ₱11.4-billion investment.

32 of the latest wind turbines (SG 132 and 145), supplied by Europe’s Siemens Gamesa, will be used in the facility. Each of these turbines promises 5.0 megawatts (MW) of capacity.

AC Energy chief development officer Jose Maria P. Zabaleta said the Balaoi & Caunayan project has sparked excitement across the company since it will be “will be the largest and lowest-cost renewable energy producer in the country.”

Currently, the largest wind farm in the country has a capacity of 150 MW. It is also located in Ilocos Norte, but it was constructed by a different developer.

“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,” explained Zabaleta.

The firm further expressed “as the wind farm takes shape to eventually provide clean energy to the grid, AC Energy also aims to spur inclusive and sustainable economic growth to its host communities in Ilocos Norte.”

Source: Manila Bulletin