Nabas mayor cites tourism potential of wind farm

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Nabas wind farm project of Petrowind Energy, Inc. could be a significant tourist attraction in Aklan.

Nabas town mayor James Solanoy said the potentials of wind farm to attract visitors would also benefit the local economy.

“Not only the wind energy facility generates electricity for the local grid, it could have a positive impact on tourism,” he added in an interview.

The 50 megawatt Nabas Wind Farm Project owned by Petrowind Energy Inc. is the first wind energy project located in the upland village of Pawa in Nabas, Aklan.  The construction began last September 15, 2013 and could begin turning on lights by 2015.

Solanoy said the wind farm site will provide a unique attraction for Nabas and many of the surrounding towns. The mayor also cited the benefits including clean power, improved roads and infrastructure and good local job prospects in the communities.

“The wind farm is overlooking the resort island of Boracay. The proposed viewing platform and visitors centre would give a scenic view over the surrounding countryside, linking the wind farm to the other scenic spots in Nabas,” he said. 

Solanoy said Tri-Conti Elements Corporation is also engaged in Nabas-Malay Wind Power Project, which is capable of generating power for about 20 megawatts.

The wind project of Petrowind Energy has EEI Corporation in charge of the civil construction works, which include 18 units of wind turbine generator foundations, 18 units of crane pads, 13.30 kilometer access roads, and a temporary landing pad for the jetty. 

Wind energy is one of the safest energy technologies. The wind farms have been widely embraced  in some countries such as Denmark, Spain, Ireland and United Kingdom.