Balaoi & Caunayan wind project to feature Siemens Gamesa turbines

UPC Renewables and AC Energy have selected Siemens Gamesa to supply, install, and commission 32 turbines for the 160MW Balaoi & Caunayan wind project in the Philippines.

Balaoi & Caunayan is being developed by UPC Renewables and AC Energy in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte province on Luzon Island with an investment of PHP 11.4 billion ($230 million).

The wind farm will be equipped with 18 SG 5.0-145 turbines and 14 SG 5.0-132 turbines. Having broken ground, the Balaoi & Caunayan wind project is expected to begin operations in Q4 2022.

The contract also states that Siemens Gamesa will provide operation and maintenance services for a period of five years to ensure optimized performance of the Balaoi & Caunayan wind project.

Balaoi & Caunayan wind project to feature Siemens Gamesa turbines. Photo courtesy of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, S.A.

Mart Huismans – sales head of Siemens Gamesa in Southeast Asia said: “We are pleased to extend our longstanding partnership with UPC Renewables and AC Energy, and jointly strike a long-awaited positive turning point in the Philippines.

“We will continue to bring advanced products and tailored renewable energy solutions to support our valued customers as more opportunities are expected to arise in the Philippines as well as other Southeast Asian markets.”

To date, Siemens Gamesa has installed six wind projects in the Philippines with a total capacity of 259MW. The company’s first wind farm in the country was installed in 2014.

Jan Zwarteveen – Managing Director of Siemens Gamesa in the Philippines said: “As the leading wind and hybrid solution provider in the Philippines, we have expanded our local presence and accumulated proven experience to exceed customer expectations.

“We are well positioned to support our customers and partners to accelerate the penetration of wind energy, bringing low-cost electricity to many households and creating job opportunities in communities as well as improving the local energy security during the post-Covid green recovery.”