The Nabas 2 wind power project (Phase 2) in Nabas-Malay, Aklan of PetroWind Energy Inc. (PWEI) is fully compliant with all national and local environmental rules, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau Region 6 (DENR-EMB 6) said in a report to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan. This in effect affirms the project’s adherence to highest standards in environmental protection.
Once operational, the Phase 2 Project will contribute to grid stability in the area. Since the said facility is located at the end of Panay-grid, municipalities and barangays in the vicinity will be given priority to receive electricity during blackout as was the protocol followed during the Panay-wide blackout early this year. In their March 1, 2024 advisory, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) confirmed that PetroWind’s wind farm played a crucial role in the power restoration efforts in the area. Wind power plants have relatively quick restart process compared to other types of power generating facilities. PetroWind’s windfarm demonstrated its efficiency by delivering power within minutes and reaching its full capacity within an hour after receiving clearance from the grid.
Added to this, the Phase 2 project is expected to generate fiscal benefits in the form of taxes and royalties to the government and host province, municipalities, and barangays. This is on top of approximately 500 green jobs during construction, share in revenues given to the government, and the businesses generated by the project because of its ecotourism potential.
The project will also generate clean and more environment-friendly energy that will contribute to the fight against climate change, said Yrel Ventura, the Company’s AVP for Environment and Community Relations. As part of its sustainability practices, PetroWind has committed to continue with its Ridge-to-River Protection Program, an extensive and long-term program of bioengineering solutions and mitigation measures. Early on, PWEI shared that it has expended Php 175 MM on mitigation measures for its Phase 1 and will continue to do so for its Phase 2.
Community support in the form of health, education, and livelihood projects will also be implemented by PWEI to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy development are shared with and felt by partner communities and other stakeholders.
