DMCI unit to put up wind power plant in Semirara

The Consunji Group's DMCI Power Corp. plans to put up a wind power plant on Semirara Island in Antique, home of the biggest coal reserve in the Philippines.

The wind corridors between Luzon and Panay, including Semirara Islands and extending to the Cuyo Islands, were found to have good-to-excellent wind power density and speed for utility-scale or village power applications.

As such, the Consunji-led off-grid electricity generator is setting the stage for its first wind power plant, with projections ranging from eight to 12 megawatts.

Operational implementation is expected within 12 to 15 months, according to the company.

The project will be funded and undertaken independently by the company.

'We are also looking at solar energy to augment the supply in the island, but we are prioritizing wind resource development because it has shown the most promise,' said DPC president Antonino Gatdula Jr.

'Current studies suggest that wind power could potentially deliver a 33 percent plant utilization rate, compared to just 17 percent for solar. Capital expenditure per megawatt for both wind and solar projects are also roughly the same,' he said.

According to a 2001 wind resource study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Semirara Island has some of the best wind resources in the Philippines.

Another Consunji-led company Semirara Mining and Power Corp. holds the operating contract over the coal reserves on Semirara Island.

DPC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DMCI Holdings, the holding company of the Consunji Group.

It was established in 2006 to energize the small and remote islands in the country that are not connected to the main power grid.

DPC utilizes all available technology that will provide reliable and sustainable supply of electricity to the islands.

The company, which aims to be a major off-grid player in the Philippine power industry, has established its presence in three major provinces: Masbate, Palawan, and Mindoro, all categorized as missionary areas by the government.

In addition, DPC has ventured into power generation in the province of Sultan Kudarat which started its commercial operations in December 2016.

The company provides off-grid power to missionary areas through long-term power supply agreements with Masbate Electric Cooperative, Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative and Palawan Electric Cooperative.