ERC green-lights 206-MW wind farm in Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY—Northern Samar is poised to become a major player in the Philippines’ renewable energy sector after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved the grid connection of the 206-megawatt (MW) San Isidro Wind Power Project.

Located in San Isidro town, the project is being developed by Lihangin Wind Energy Corp. (LWEC), a joint venture among Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Vivant Energy Corp., and Singapore-based Vena Energy.

The ERC approval, made public last week, clears the way for the facility to connect to the Visayas grid through the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) substations in Calbayog City and San Isidro. This ensures that once commercial operations begin in February 2026, the power generated will contribute to regional supply stability.

Northern Samar Rep. Edwin Ongchuan, a former governor, described the project as a “transformative step” for the province’s economic and environmental future.

He lauded the ERC’s decision as a reflection of Northern Samar’s growing role in the country’s energy transition, noting that it was “a realization of the groundwork laid years ago to make the province investment-ready.”

“This development affirms Northern Samar’s readiness to host large-scale renewable projects that create livelihood opportunities while advancing our shift to clean and reliable power,” Ongchuan said.

Permits secured

Officials said the project had already secured key permits from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Once operational, it will help reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and support the government’s goal of achieving a 35-percent renewable energy share in the power mix by 2030.

The San Isidro Wind Power Project will feature 33 wind turbine generators capable of producing 206.25 MW of electricity, along with over 130 transmission towers.

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It will span approximately 176 hectares, with turbines to be installed in the coastal villages of Salvacion, San Juan, Palanit, Mabuhay, Veriato and Caglanipao.

Ongchuan also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing legislation that promotes renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, stressing that private sector participation remains crucial to achieving inclusive and resilient development.

“Partnerships like this underscore how government and industry can work hand in hand to deliver solutions that benefit communities, the environment and future generations,” he said.