1100-kw wind plant to rise in Batanes
by Andy Elica and Arnold Fadri (Congressional Updates)

A wind power generating plant will soon supplement the generating capacity of the existing diesel system to provide Ivatans with 24-hour electrification.

Energy Secretary Mario Tiaoqui recently led the groundbreaking ceremonies, held at the provincial capitol in Basco, to start the implementation of the Batanes Wind Plant Project.

Present during the groundbreaking were personalities in the energy sector who share the vision that such a breaking through project is possible in Batanes. These include chairman Oscar Lopez of First Holdings Group and First Philippine Energy Corporation (FPE), Chairman Noli Fuentabella of the House Committee on energy, National Power Corporation (NPC) President Frederico Puno, Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, vice chairman of the energy Committee, Director Mars Ocampo of DOST representing Secretary Uriarte, and FPE president Ernesto Fadullon.

Other guests who flew in to attend the groundbreaking included Peter Garrucho and Christian Monsod, director and senior consultant respectively of first Holdings Group.

Subsequently, a time capsule was lowered at the site of the wind plant project in Mahatao. The event was attended by Gov. Gato and town's officials led by Mayor Agsunod.

The wind plant project is based on a concept submitted by Congressman Butch Abad as early as 1997 to the Department of Energy and the National Power Corporation. The project aims to increase the generating capacity of the existing system to provide Ivatans with 24-hour electrification. The wind plant will have an initial 200kw power output that can amply supplement the current 8- hour power deficiency of the diesel grid in Batan island covering the four municipalities of Basco, Mahatao, Ivana and Uyugan.

Cong. Abad likewise stressed that Sabtang and Itbayat will also be able to enjoy an increase in power supply through the expansion programs of the NPC and the NEA.

The Lopez -owned power generating company, First Philippine Energy Corporation (FPE), has been tapped to undertake the project, including its design, supply and installation. As outlined in the proposal of FPE, the output of the wind plant will be linked to the Batanelco distribution system, which will then be fed into the control system of the diesel grid.

Based also on the projection of FPE, the plant capacity can later be expanded to 1100-kw to make up for expected increases in subscription and demand.

The cast of the 220-kw plant covered under phase I of the project is estimated to reach around P65 million.

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