Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija — Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), a Denmark-based renewable energy investment firm, is advancing plans for a ₱30.5-billion onshore wind power project spanning the municipalities of Lupao, Carranglan, and San Jose City in Nueva Ecija.
Through its local subsidiary, San Jose Onshore Wind Power Corporation (SJOWPC), CIP is currently conducting feasibility studies for the proposed 300-megawatt renewable energy project, which aims to contribute to the Philippines’ growing demand for clean and sustainable power.
According to Mr. Jason Gavina CIP Head of External Affairs, the project remains in the exploratory and feasibility stage, with no wind farm construction yet underway. The Department of Energy (DOE) granted the company a service contract that gives it exclusive rights to assess the area’s wind generation potential.
The proposed development initially includes around 48 wind turbines to be situated in elevated areas across identified barangays in Lupao, Carranglan, and San Jose City where wind conditions are favorable.
Covered areas include Barangays Namulandayan, Parista, and San Isidro in Lupao; Joson (Digdig) and Puncan in Carranglan; and Santo Niño 2nd, Santo Niño 3rd, Malasin, and Villa Floresta in San Jose City.
CIP targets the start of construction by the second quarter of 2027, with commercial operations expected by 2029 after an estimated two-year construction period.
As part of the initial feasibility phase, meteorological or “met mast” towers have already been installed in Puncan and Lupao to gather wind data and determine the viability of the project.
The company said it has secured endorsements from host barangays and local government units, while resolutions supporting the project are now being processed by municipal councils.
Since portions of the proposed project area are located within watershed and protected zones, the company is also preparing requirements for clearance from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Environmental studies covering soil, water, flora and fauna, and air quality are currently being conducted as part of the ECC application process.
CIP also highlighted the project’s potential economic benefits, including the creation of around 1,000 jobs during the construction phase. The company said it expects to hire local workers such as welders, laborers, engineers, and technical personnel from Nueva Ecija.
“We believe Nueva Ecija has many skilled workers and engineers, and we are looking forward to engaging them,” Mr. Jason Gavina said during a media briefing.
The company added that host communities are expected to benefit through Energy Regulation No. 1-94, which allocates funds for electrification and community development projects based on power generation output.
Under the program, a portion of the proceeds from every kilowatt-hour generated will go directly to local government units for projects such as electrification, street lighting, and other community services.
Once operational, the 300-MW wind project is expected to supply electricity to an estimated 400,000 households while supporting the Philippine government’s target of increasing renewable energy’s share in the country’s power mix to 35 percent by 2030.
CIP is recognized globally for renewable energy investments, particularly in wind energy projects, and currently has operations and investments in several countries across Asia and Europe.