Ilocos Norte solidifies its status as Southeast Asia’s Renewable Energy Capital with Aboitiz Wind Project

Published on: October 28, 2024By: Allyssa Charisse Magno

The Province of Ilocos Norte is securing its stand as the "Renewable Energy Capital of Southeast Asia” by exploring the development of a wind power project in Bangui with Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI), through its subsidiary Luzon Cleanergy Generation Inc.  


Currently, Ilocos Norte is home to over 100 wind turbines installed across the province, with over 360 megawatts of total generating capacity. The electricity from these wind turbines provide power to thousands of homes in the country.


ARI is presently in the initial process of securing the project area through a Special Land Use Permit with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in preparation for the installation of the meteorological mast for wind data gathering.  The company is the renewable energy subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation which, together with its partners, stands as the Philippines’ largest owner and operator of renewable energy based on installed capacity.


Bangui is the home of the first wind farm in Southeast Asia, being an ideal location for wind power project developments due to consistent strong winds called “Amihan” or Northern Monsoon.  


ARI began its first engagement with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte in the first quarter of 2021. Following this, it assisted the company by introducing the project team to the relevant local government units and other government agencies. 


According to officials of ARI, they are looking into Ilocos Norte among other promising areas due to the Provincial Government’s support and investment incentives provided to investors, as well as the active engagement of local communities.


Aside from Bangui, ARI is also eyeing several other renewable energy initiatives across various towns in the province.


Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc continues to lead the expansion of the province’s renewable energy profile by attracting key investments and strengthening the provincial government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.