Wind farm to bring power to Boracay, Aklan

Finally, Aklan province—including world-famous Boracay Island—may be on its way to ensuring sufficient electricity with the opening of a wind farm in the province this year.

 

Power supply has been a problem for the province as it is at the tip of the Visayas power grid, GMA Iloilo's Joecel Huesca reported on "24 Oras Western Visayas."

 

Adding to the problem is the higher demand for power in Boracay, to as much as 22 megawatts.

 

"Being at the end of the grid, mahina na ang dating ng power, palaging nagfa-fluctuate. And in fact last night nga grabe ang flactuation because I understand, na-bog down ang isang plant sa iloilo," Aklan provincial administrator Selwyn Ibarreta said.

 

With the wind farm in Nabas town, the province could get an added 36 megawatts as early as June.

 

Petro Wind Energy Inc. executive president Francisco Delfin Jr. said having one's own wind or energy plant can improve power supply and stability in this part of Panay.

 

Tourism

 

Not only that - the wind farm is expected to boost tourism since from there, people can see the entire Boracay Island.

 

"Kagaya ng Tagaytay, makikita natin sa Tagaytay may mga horseback-riding doon. Ganun din yung mangyayari doon so depende po yun sa mga investor but we will regulate it," Nabas mayor James Solanoy said.

 

Meanwhile, the Nabas local government continues to work out a package of benefits for communities near the plant.

 

The town expects added income of P5 million a year from the taxes paid by the plant's operators. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News