Fil-Am group eyes wind farm in Negros

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - A Filipino-American company is looking at investing in a wind farm in Negros Occidental, as the country does its share in the fight against global warming and other problems associated with dirty fossil fuels. Larry Asera, chairman and chief executive officer of the California-based Asera Group, cited the potential of the province, which has one of the highest wind resources in the country. The official, who discussed his company’s initiatives during a forum on renewable energy here, has put up a 6.67-megawatt solar power plant in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. "This is one of the greatest wind areas. There should be people like us investing here to provide clean wind power... We’re willing to invest here," Mr. Asera told the forum. He added that his company would pursue the plan once there is available land, as well as social and political acceptance for the project. Wind power is one of several energy sources with minimal effects on the environment. It produces no air or water pollution, involves no toxic or hazardous substances and poses no threat to public safety. But a serious obstacle facing the wind industry is public opposition reflecting concern over the visibility and noise of wind turbines, and their effects on wilderness areas. While the wind turbines themselves occupy a small fraction of land, wind power development can create serious land use conflicts. In forested areas, it may mean clearing trees and cutting roads, a prospect that is likely to generate controversy. Wind projects also run into stiff opposition from people who regard them as unsightly and noisy, or who fear their presence may reduce property values. Mr. Asera noted that like Ilocos Norte, Negros Occidental has a high wind potential. Ilocos Norte is the site of a 25-megawatt wind farm in Bangui Bay. "You have the exact same wind gradient and the potential in terms of amount of power and amount of megawatts you can generate," he pointed out. In San Carlos City, the Smith Bell Group of Companies and Global Renewable Energy Partners of Denmark have started developing a 30-megawatt wind farm, the second wind farm in Southeast Asia next to one in Bangui Bay. Bago City and Cauayan, both in Negros Occidental, have also been identified by the Energy department as potential sites for wind farms. In his presentation, Mr. Asera cited a study by the World Wildlife Fund and the Energy department showing that the Philippines has 1,078 wind sites with a total capacity of 7,400 megawatts. Three hundred wind sites are found in the Visayas. Mr. Asera said there is a need to raise consciousness and education on renewable energy sources. "It is viable and there are private investors like us. It’s not only clean and green. It’s affordable. It’s also deployable. It can be done now," he said. Renewable energy technologies tap into natural cycles and systems, turning energy into usable forms. The movement of wind and water, solar heat and light, ground heat, and carbohydrates in plants are all natural energy sources. Because they are homegrown, renewable energy sources can also increase a country’s energy security and create local jobs. - BusinessWorld