PetroWind Expands Wind Farm, Adds Transmission Line

PetroWind Energy Inc. (PWEI) is ramping up its renewable energy output in Aklan with new wind turbines and a transmission line to address the region’s rising power demand.

The three new turbines are part of the Nabas-2 wind power project, expected to boost generation capacity from 42.6 megawatts (MW) to 49 MW by next year.

“Nabas-2 remains the only new power plant connected to the Panay sub-grid since the island-wide grid outage in January 2024,” said Jayson Abaniel, PWEI senior manager, in a recent press briefing.

He added that the project supports grid enhancement efforts to stabilize power flow and reduce generation curtailment in the region.

Phase 2 of the Nabas project was commissioned in April after receiving approvals from the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Alongside the wind farm expansion, the NGCP’s P4.2 billion Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay transmission line project aims to resolve overloading issues in the area.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) recently approved the transmission upgrades, targeting three critical areas: the Nabas-Caticlan 69-kilovolt (kV) line, the Caticlan-Boracay submarine cable, and the Manoc-Manoc 69-kV substation.

Once operational by 2025, the project will improve power connectivity between Panay and the Visayas grid.

Aklan Provincial Administrator Selwyn Ibarreta welcomed the developments, emphasizing their role in economic growth.

“Increased access to reliable power is vital for our future growth,” Ibarreta said. “It will attract investments in Aklan, creating jobs and increasing revenue to fund development projects.”

Johann Juguan, Nabas municipal planning and development officer, highlighted the significance of the energy upgrades.

“We have a new health facility and a tourism center opening soon. We need additional power supply to ensure uninterrupted operations,” Juguan said.

He also noted that the New Terminal Building of Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, set to open in 2026, would benefit from the improved power infrastructure.

The Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AKELCO) sees the upgrades as a solution to recurring power interruptions that disrupt businesses and communities.