AC Energy Corporation is moving closer to its 2025 goal of achieving 5000MW of renewable energy target with the start of construction of the 160MW Balaoi & Caunayan wind farm, the biggest wind farm in the Philippines to date.

Once completed, AC Energy will double its wind energy capacity in the country.

Upon completion of the merger of AC Energy International into ACEN, its total renewables capacity will be over 2000MW.

Located in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, the ?11.4bn (€0.19bn) wind farm is AC Energy’s latest project with long-time partner, UPC Renewables.

The project’s target completion is slated for Q4 2022, in time for full year operations in 2023, when supply in the Luzon energy market is expected to be tight.

The project will be the third wind development of AC Energy in Ilocos Norte, along with the NorthWind wind farm in Bangui and the North Luzon Renewables wind farm in Pagudpud.

AC Energy chief development officer Jose Maria P Zabaleta said: "We are very excited to begin the construction of the Balaoi & Caunayan wind farm, which will be the largest and lowest cost renewable energy producer in the country.

"This project will further augment AC Energy’s generating capacity, following our recently completed solar farms and battery storage plants, and will contribute to the growth of our renewables share as we scale up our sustainable investments."

UPC Renewables Philippines chief executive David Sutton said: "The site of the Balaoi & Caunayan wind farm has one of the best wind resources in the country and its construction marks the culmination of over ten years of development work.

"We are grateful for the continuing support of the Ilocos Norte provincial government and the municipality of Pagudpud in helping to bring this project to fruition."

The wind farm will utilise turbines from Siemens Gamesa who will supply, install and commission a total of 32 SG 132 and 145 wind turbines, with a total capacity of 5MW each, set to optimize the renewable energy production in the wind farm.

As the wind farm takes shape to eventually provide clean energy to the grid, AC Energy also aims to spur inclusive and sustainable economic growth to its host communities in Ilocos Norte.

This wind development is set to bring significant value to the community by creating job opportunities to help reignite the community amidst the pandemic.

The Balaoi & Caunayan wind farm will be another living example of AC Energy’s efforts to create shared value in the communities where it operates – ensuring renewable energy supply while strengthening community vitality.

AC Energy remains committed to play a meaningful role in the country’s green-led recovery, and work towards its aspiration of becoming the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia.