Guimaras wind farm to boost tourism, economic activities

By Raymart Escopel

THE 54-megawatt San Lorenzo Wind Farm project of Guimaras is expected to boost both tourism and economic activities in the province upon its full commercial operation.

Located at the municipality of San Lorenzo covering four barangays namely, Cabungahan, Cabano, M. Chavez and Suclaran, the said wind farm project is regarded the very first of its kind in the Visayas.

“We have encountered many challenges but with the full support of the local government unit, the community, the various government agencies and the people of Guimaras, we have finally come to this critical milestone which is the implementation stage of the project,” said a statement from the provincial capitol of Guimaras.

The San Lorenzo Wind Farm project will be housing 27 Wind Turbine Generators, a 13-kilometer new roads and a bigger 138 kV submarine cable that will connect the island of Guimaras to the main Panay Grid.

With the developments, the provincial government headed by Gov. Samuel Gumarin has high hopes the project will bring in more job opportunities to Guimarasnons, aside from the economic and tourism benefits it posts.

The symbolic laying of foundation of the wind turbine generators of the wind farm project was held on May 22 during the 22nd Foundation Day celebration of Guimaras.

The said project is being developed by Trans-Asia Renewable Energy Corporation. Trans-Asia is the energy arm of the Filipino-owned company, Phinma Group which also acquired the University of Iloilo (presently, UI-Phinma).

The Department of Energy confirmed the declaration of commerciality of the 54-MW San Lorenzo Win Farm Project on May of 2013.

The Regional Development Council Region VI endorsed the said project as a priority development project of Western Visayas./PN