By: Elmer Recuerdo
Photos from internet
The Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the connection of the 206-megawatt Lihangin Wind Energy Corporation (LWEC) San Isidro Wind Power Project in San Isidro, Northern Samar to the Visayas grid.
Northern Samar Second District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan said the approval is a major step forward in advancing clean and reliable energy in the province. The wind power project, a joint venture of Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Vivant Energy Corp., and Singapore-based Vena Energy, is expected to be completed and operation on February next year.
Seven renewable energy projects, are currently underway in various stages of completion in the whole Northern Samar province. The seven projects have a combined generation capacity of over 1.3 gigawatts of electricity.
Under the ERC approval, LWEC is authorized to build transmission facilities linking the wind farm to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) through the Calbayog substation as an interim connection while the construction of a substation in San Isidro, which is seen to be the final connection, is still ongoing.
Photos from internet
The Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the connection of the 206-megawatt Lihangin Wind Energy Corporation (LWEC) San Isidro Wind Power Project in San Isidro, Northern Samar to the Visayas grid.
Northern Samar Second District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan said the approval is a major step forward in advancing clean and reliable energy in the province. The wind power project, a joint venture of Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Vivant Energy Corp., and Singapore-based Vena Energy, is expected to be completed and operation on February next year.
Seven renewable energy projects, are currently underway in various stages of completion in the whole Northern Samar province. The seven projects have a combined generation capacity of over 1.3 gigawatts of electricity.
Under the ERC approval, LWEC is authorized to build transmission facilities linking the wind farm to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) through the Calbayog substation as an interim connection while the construction of a substation in San Isidro, which is seen to be the final connection, is still ongoing.
The ERC approval also mandates NGCP to operate and maintain these substations to ensure efficiency and reliability.
Ongchuan, who is the former provincial governor, led the province’s investment and renewable energy initiatives through his “Winvest” campaign during his term as the chief executive. The campaign laid the groundwork for the entry of renewable energy projects that now position Northern Samar as an emerging hub for green investments in Eastern Visayas.
“This will hopefully strengthen the overall stability of the Visayas grid. It supports the long-term goal of reducing dependence on imported fuels and promoting more affordable and sustainable electricity across the region,” he said.
Ongchuan said the wind project has secured all necessary permits from the Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“Once operational, it will add significant renewable energy capacity to the Visayas grid and help achieve national clean energy targets,” he added.
The Philippine government committed at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai last December 2023 to triple its renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.(CJ/jmm/ER)
- Calbayog Journal, October 9, 2025
Ongchuan, who is the former provincial governor, led the province’s investment and renewable energy initiatives through his “Winvest” campaign during his term as the chief executive. The campaign laid the groundwork for the entry of renewable energy projects that now position Northern Samar as an emerging hub for green investments in Eastern Visayas.
“This will hopefully strengthen the overall stability of the Visayas grid. It supports the long-term goal of reducing dependence on imported fuels and promoting more affordable and sustainable electricity across the region,” he said.
Ongchuan said the wind project has secured all necessary permits from the Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“Once operational, it will add significant renewable energy capacity to the Visayas grid and help achieve national clean energy targets,” he added.
The Philippine government committed at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai last December 2023 to triple its renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.(CJ/jmm/ER)
- Calbayog Journal, October 9, 2025
