Renewable energy firm WindIQ is eyeing Iloilo as its manufacturing hub in the Philippines for its compact vertical-axis wind turbines.
The company presented its proposal during a courtesy visit to Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. at the Provincial Capitol.
According to Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, the vertical-axis wind turbines require less space and have a smaller footprint than conventional wind turbines and may be used in off-grid communities across the province.
“So it’s ideal for household in offbeat areas and can also be [integrated with solar farms by installing the structures beneath solar panels],” he told IMT NEWS.
Banias said the turbines, which can generate more than 1,500 watts of power per unit, may benefit communities in the mountainous areas of Central Iloilo and the island communities in Northern Iloilo.
The proposal supports renewable energy initiatives in line with the Department of Energy’s goal of increasing the country’s renewable energy share to at least 30 percent by 2030.
“The more generating capacity that we can install in the province is better for us,” Banias said.
The provincial government requested WindIQ to submit a formal proposal for further evaluation, including possible locations for the manufacturing facility and future turbine installations.
Banias shared that the company informed them that it already has investors in the United States and that the proposed venture would not require government funding.
“There will be no expense outlay from the government,”he said.Carla Eunice Guevara, WVSU-COC intern/IMT
