Burgos Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte

A Guide to the Ilocos Norte’s Burgos Wind Farm

The Burgos Wind Farm, also promoted as Burgos Wind Farm Adventure Park, is the largest in the Philippines. Located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, the onshore wind farm was commissioned in November 2014 and is owned and operated by the EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation (EBWPC). The project was nominated for the Philippine Government’s feed-in-tariff (FIT) incentive scheme, which encourages the country’s development of renewable energy sources.

The wind farm consists of 50 large-scale Vestas V90 3-MW wind turbines, occupying a 600-hectare site covering three barangays in Burgos. A 115-kV transmission line connects the wind farm from Burgos substation to the Laoag substation. The estimated cost for the construction of the wind farm was US$450 million. The project has a capacity of 150 MW, which can power around 1.5 million households in the Philippines.

The Burgos Wind Farm is a significant milestone in developing renewable energy in the Philippines. It showcases the country’s potential for harnessing wind power and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. With the success of the Burgos Wind Farm, the Philippines aims to increase its renewable energy capacity to 15,304 MW by 2040 to meet the growing energy demand and reduce its carbon footprint.

Background of Burgos Wind Farm

Burgos Wind Farm is a 150MW onshore wind power project in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) initiated the project in 2008 as part of its commitment to increase the country’s renewable energy capacity. The Burgos Wind Farm was the first wind project nominated for the Philippine Government’s feed-in-tariff (FIT) incentive scheme. The FIT scheme aimed to promote the development of renewable energy sources in the country by providing incentives for developers.

Energy Development Corporation

The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is a leading renewable energy company in the Philippines. It is committed to providing sustainable energy solutions to the country by harnessing the power of the wind, sun, and water. The company has been instrumental in the development of the Burgos Wind Farm project and has been actively involved in the renewable energy sector for over 40 years.

Vestas Wind Systems Partnership

Vestas Wind Systems, a Danish wind turbine manufacturer, partnered with EDC for the Burgos Wind Farm project. Vestas supplied the turbines for the project and was responsible for the installation and commissioning of the wind farm. The partnership between EDC and Vestas was crucial in the successful completion of the project.

The Burgos Wind Farm project was developed in multiple phases and was commissioned in November 2014. The project is currently active and is the biggest wind farm in the Philippines. The Burgos Wind Farm project has contributed significantly to the country’s renewable energy capacity and has helped in reducing its carbon footprint.

Technical Specifications

Nameplate Capacity and Energy Production

The Burgos Wind Farm project is a 150 MW onshore wind farm located in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The wind farm is equipped with 50 V90-3.0 MW turbines with a total capacity of 150 MW. The nameplate capacity of each turbine is 3 MW. The project is expected to produce 370,000 MWh of electricity per year, which is enough to power more than 100,000 households.

Turbine Details

The Burgos Wind Farm project uses Vestas V90-3.0 MW turbines. These turbines are designed to operate in low and medium wind speeds. The rotor diameter of the turbine is 90 meters, and the hub height is 80 meters. The turbines are mounted on tubular steel towers that are 75 meters high. The blades are made of fiberglass and are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Transmission Infrastructure

The Burgos Wind Farm project is connected to the grid through a 115 kV transmission line that runs from the wind farm to the Burgos substation. The transmission line is approximately 20 kilometers long. The project also includes a 2.5-kilometer-long access road, which is used for maintenance and construction purposes.

The coordinates of the Burgos Wind Farm project are WGS 84: 18°30’0.00″N, 120°45’0.00″E. The project is located in a coastal area, which makes it ideal for wind power generation. The project has been developed in accordance with international standards and guidelines, and it meets the strict environmental and social requirements of the Philippine government.

Environmental Impact

Clean Energy Contribution

Burgos Wind Farm is a major source of clean energy in the Philippines. The wind farm has a capacity of 150 megawatts and can generate electricity for over 1,000,000 households. The wind turbines installed at the farm can generate electricity without emitting any harmful pollutants, making it an environmentally friendly energy source.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reduction

Burgos Wind Farm has a significant impact on reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the Philippines. The wind farm can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 200,000 tons per year, which is equivalent to taking over 40,000 cars off the road. The farm’s impact on reducing emissions is a significant step towards achieving the country’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030.

The wind farm’s contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions is significant, and it is a clear indication of the positive impact that renewable energy can have on the environment. The use of renewable energy sources such as wind energy is crucial in reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Project Development

Construction Phases

The Burgos Wind Farm project was developed in multiple phases. The first phase involved the installation of 29 wind turbines, a wind farm substation, 13.6km access roads, and a 42km overhead transmission line. The second phase included the installation of 21 additional wind turbines, increasing the wind farm’s total capacity to 150MW. The project was completed in 2014 and is currently the largest wind farm in the Philippines.

First Balfour’s Role

First Balfour, a subsidiary of the Lopez Group of Companies, played a significant role in the construction of the Burgos Wind Farm project. The company was responsible for the construction of the wind farm substation, access roads, and transmission lines during the first phase of the project. They also provided engineering, procurement, and construction services for the second phase of the project.

First Balfour’s experience in the construction of renewable energy projects made them an ideal partner for the Burgos Wind Farm project. The company has a proven track record in the construction of wind and solar power plants and has completed several projects in the Philippines and abroad.

Operational Details

Current Status

The Burgos wind farm project is currently active and operational. The project, which began construction on April 19, 2013, was commissioned on November 5, 2014, and has generated electricity since then. The wind farm has a total capacity of 150 MW, and it is the largest wind farm in the Philippines. The project is owned by Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and operated by Vestas, a Danish wind turbine manufacturer.

Maintenance and Operations

The Burgos wind farm project has an operation and maintenance (O&M) contract with a currently active O&M contractor. The contract is for 10 years and includes the operation and maintenance of the wind turbines, the electrical infrastructure, and the substation. The O&M contractor is responsible for ensuring that the wind farm operates at its full capacity and that any issues are addressed promptly.

To maintain the wind turbines, the O&M contractor performs regular maintenance checks, including visual inspections, oil changes, and part replacements. The contractor also monitors the performance of the wind turbines and the electrical infrastructure to ensure that they are operating efficiently. The O&M contractor also has a team of technicians on standby to address any issues that may arise.

Location and Accessibility

Geographical Setting

Burgos Wind Farm is located in the municipality of Burgos, Ilocos Norte Province, Philippines. It is situated on a hilly terrain overlooking the South China Sea. The wind farm spans across a 600-hectare site covering three barangays, namely Saoit, Poblacion, and Nagsurot.

The geographical setting of the wind farm is ideal for onshore wind energy generation. The location is characterized by strong and consistent winds, which blow from the northeast and southeast directions. The average wind speed in the area ranges from 6 to 7 meters per second, making it one of the most suitable sites for wind energy development in the country.

Proximity to Ilocos Norte Province

The Burgos Wind Farm is strategically located in Ilocos Norte Province, which is known for its abundant renewable energy resources. The province is home to several other wind farms, solar power plants, and hydropower facilities. The proximity of the wind farm to other renewable energy projects in the province makes it an important hub for clean energy production in the region.

The wind farm is easily accessible by road, with the nearest major city being Laoag City, which is approximately 50 kilometers away. The wind farm has offices located nearby, making it easy for the staff to manage the operations and maintenance of the wind turbines.

Getting to Burgos Wind Farm

Burgos Wind Farm is located in the northern part of the Philippines, specifically in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Here are the steps to get there:

By Air

If traveling from outside the Philippines, the nearest international airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. You can book a domestic flight from NAIA to Laoag International Airport, the closest airport to Burgos.

By Land

From Laoag International Airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Burgos Wind Farm. The distance between Laoag and Burgos is approximately 50 kilometers, and it takes around an hour to travel by road.

Public Transportation

If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus or jeepney from Laoag City to Burgos. Buses and jeepneys are available at Laoag City’s main transportation terminal. Inform the driver or conductor that you want to go to Burgos Wind Farm, and they will drop you off at the nearest point.

Local Transportation

To reach the wind farm from the drop-off point, you can hire a tricycle or a motorcycle for hire (locally known as “habal-habal”). The wind farm is approximately 2-3 kilometers from the main road, and these local transportation options can take you there.

Remember to check local transportation schedules and plan your trip accordingly. Burgos Wind Farm is a popular tourist destination, so it is advisable to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds. Enjoy your visit to Burgos Wind Farm!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Burgos Wind Farm?

The purpose of the Burgos Wind Farm is to generate electricity from renewable sources. The wind farm is designed to harness the power of the wind and convert it into electricity that can be used by households and businesses in the Philippines.

Who was the contractor responsible for the construction of the Burgos Wind Farm?

The Burgos Wind Farm was constructed by a consortium of companies, including the Spanish firm Acciona and the Philippine National Oil Company – Energy Development Corporation (PNOC-EDC). Acciona was responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the wind farm.

How many turbines are installed at the Burgos Wind Farm?

The Burgos Wind Farm has a total of 50 wind turbines installed across an area of 600 hectares. Each turbine has a capacity of 3 megawatts, bringing the total capacity of the wind farm to 150 megawatts.

What is the significance of Burgos Wind Farm in the context of renewable energy in the Philippines?

The Burgos Wind Farm is a significant milestone in the Philippines’ efforts to transition to renewable energy. It is the largest wind farm in the country and has been instrumental in increasing the country’s renewable energy capacity. The project has also helped to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, which has positive implications for the environment and public health.

Can you provide a brief history of the development of the Burgos Wind Farm?

The development of the Burgos Wind Farm began in 2005 when the Philippine government launched a program to promote renewable energy. The project was first proposed by PNOC-EDC in 2007, and construction began in 2012. The wind farm was completed in 2014 and has been in operation since then.

Where is the Burgos Wind Farm located?

The Burgos Wind Farm is located in the town of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, in the northern part of the Philippines. The wind farm is situated on a coastal plain overlooking the South China Sea, which provides a consistent source of wind for the turbines.

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