Japanese wind turbine manufacturer sets up Romblon plant

Romblon is about to power up with a new agreement between the island’s power cooperative and the Japanese wind turbine maker Komaihaltec Inc.

The partnership is expected to produce a P242-million wind turbine power plant that would meet Romblon’s increasing energy needs.

The Japanese manufacturer was able to forge a joint venture with Romblon Electric Cooperative Inc. (ROMELCO) through the assistance of the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. The 900-kilowatt (kw) wind farm is set to be completed by November.

There will be three wind turbines located in Barangays Agnay, Bagacay, and Lonos in the municipality of Romblon. Each of the wind turbines will have a 300 kw power generating capacity, totaling 900 kw.

According to ROMELCO general manager Rene Fajilagutan, once they are all set and ready to go, the wind turbines will be leased to them for four years at P6.19 per kilowatt hour (kwh) with no value added taxes.

“It will be based on the actual production, actual output of the wind turbine generator. No fixed amount per month. After four years, the power plant will be turned over to ROMELCO,” he said.

Fajilagutan also said that 50 percent of the total cost of the wind turbine project is funded through a grant from the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, and the other half is shouldered by Komaihaltec.

The wind turbine farm is one of ROMELCO’s initiatives to contribute to the province’s sustainable development, while also helping reduce the effects of climate change.

via The Philippine Star / Danessa Rivera