Study advances Yuchengco-backed Ilocos wind plans

Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corp. (BENLC), a subsidiary of Yuchengco-led PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC), has launched a multi-stakeholder feasibility study for its planned 2-gigawatt offshore wind project in Ilocos Norte. 

The company said Tuesday that it deployed two scanning LiDAR units and a second meteorological mast to validate prior satellite data and three years of wind measurements from an existing met mast. 

The tools, it added, will help confirm wind resources, assess environmental and social impacts, and guide workforce development for the emerging offshore wind sector.

“By engaging third parties to conduct resource validation and environmental impact study of our offshore wind project, we are taking a responsible, deliberate, and transparent approach to development,” BENLC Vice President for Operations Maria Victoria Olivar said.

Alongside resource validation, BENLC has also begun a comprehensive environmental and social impact study led by global consultancy ARUP as part of securing an environmental compliance certificate for the project. 

The company also expanded its community and workforce initiatives through formal partnerships with Mapúa University and Mariano Marcos State University to support skills development for offshore wind operations.

Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Marcos-Manotoc said the province backs renewable energy projects for their potential to lower retail electricity prices and create long-term green jobs. 

“We should continue to harness the power of the wind and make sure that it will have a positive impact on our people, their livelihoods, our environment, and the economy as a whole,” he said.

Earlier this month, BENLC also partnered with China’s Mingyang Smart Energy Group Ltd. for a joint feasibility study.

The tie-up will assess the technical and commercial viability of using Mingyang’s turbine models under Northern Luzon’s ocean and weather conditions, including energy yield projections and cost estimates.

BENLC said the study, together with ongoing wind measurement surveys and environmental assessments, will help de-risk the project and outline pathways for commercial development.

The company noted that both firms acknowledge the long-term nature of offshore wind development and the scale of technical, commercial, and infrastructure challenges involved.

The Philippines is seeking to tap its estimated 178-gigawatt offshore wind potential, with the government awarding 91 service contracts to support renewable energy targets of 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.