Yuchengco-led Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corp. (BENLC) has tapped Chinese firm Mingyang Smart Energy Group Ltd. to test the commercial and technical viability of a planned two-gigawatt (GW) offshore wind project in Ilocos Norte.

BENLC said Friday that the two firms are set to begin a joint feasibility study following a memorandum of understanding signed on 6 November.

The study will assess the suitability of Mingyang’s offshore wind turbine models and technologies for Northern Luzon’s ocean and weather conditions, including annual energy yield and cost estimates based on Mingyang’s turbine portfolio and offshore development experience.

"Along with our ongoing site wind measurement surveys and environmental impact studies, this cooperation with Mingyang will contribute significantly in de-risking the project further and identifying pathways for viable commercial development,” BENLC President F. G. Delfin Jr. said.

“Both parties accept the long-term nature of offshore wind development, and we clearly recognize the enormous technical, commercial, and infrastructure challenges that need to be overcome,” he added. 

Mingyang Vice President for Global Business Liu Wenhao said the company will leverage its expertise to help develop a site-specific solution with tailored engineering and full life-cycle services.

BENLC, the Department of Energy’s service contractor for the project, is a subsidiary of PetroGreen Energy Corp. of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, with Japan’s Kyuden International Corp. as a significant minority partner.

Meanwhile, Mingyang, China’s third-largest wind turbine manufacturer, has installed over 61,000 megawatts of turbines globally. 

The Global Wind Energy Council ranked the firm as the world’s third-largest wind turbine installer in 2024, adding over 12 GW in new turbines that year. 

The company also deployed the world’s first anti-typhoon floating wind turbine in China three years ago and operates the integrated floating prototype Ocean X.

With an offshore wind potential estimated at over 178 GW, and 91 service contracts already awarded,, the government positions offshore wind development as a key driver in meeting its renewable energy targets of 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.