ILOILO City – An energy company is eyeing to install 25 wind turbines which can produce 25 megawatts of renewable energy in four barangays in this southern city.
According to City Councilor Romel Duron, clean and renewable energy provider First Gen Corporation has requested the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) for a Resolution of No Objection (RONO) for their proposed off-shore (Iloilo Strait) wind power project.
The proposed project will cover approximately 5,346 hectares and four other towns outside Iloilo City. These are Leganes, Zarraga and Dumangas in Iloilo province, and Buenavista town in Guimaras.
In Iloilo City, the four barangays identified to host the 25 wind turbines are Ingore and Hinactacan in La Paz district and Balabago and Bito-on in Jaro district.
“Natually, makabulig gid sa aton nga energy supply indi lang sa city kundi sa entire province of Iloilo,” said Duron, who chairs the SP committee on public utilities.
His committee recently conducted a hearing to, among others, weigh in the pros and cons of the proposed wind project.
“That is why we are conducting committee hearings to consult. Tanan nga naga-object you come out and come forward,” he added.
He further said, “Wind energy is renewable energy. It is environment-friendly. Siempre may mga disadvantage gid man pero will the advantage outweigh the disadvantage? Kon diin mas damo kag makabenepisyo,” said Duron.
Meantime, in Iloilo province, the areas where the project will traverse are barangays Camangay, Bigke, Balagon, Gua-an, Napnud, and Nabitasan in Leganes; Tubigan, Zarraga; Bantud Fabrica, Dacutan and Sapao in Dumangas; and Sawang, Dagsa-an, Taminla, Tacay, Getulio, and San Miguel in Buenavista.
Duron, however, said they could not yet grant the RONO for the said wind project as it should still go through public consultation while the firm is yet to complete some documentary requirements such as business permit.
The city councilor said it is also important that the firm discuss that project with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources./PN
