The Department of Environment and Natural Resources declared PetroWind Energy Inc. (PWEI) compliant with the environmental laws, rules and regulations for the 13.2-megawatt phase 2 of its Nabas wind power project in Nabas and Malay, Aklan.
The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau in Region 6 (DENR-EMB 6) released a report dated Feb. 1, 2024 to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan confirming that PWEI secured all necessary government permits before project development.
It said PWEI was implementing proper mitigating measures to minimize erosion and was compliant with all conditions of various environmental permits approved by the DENR.
DENR inspections also revealed that civil works spoils were immediately hauled and transported to approved spoils disposal site outside the project location, that drainage system was in place and siltation barriers were installed in the construction area.
DENR-EMB 6 also affirmed that the project’s outfalls were compliant with the general effluent standards for total suspended solids (TSS).
“We spent nearly five years just securing all the necessary government approvals for this 13.2 MW investment before we started project development. We have also expended about P175 million more on slope protection than what is required and it is thus in our interest to ensure faithful and effective compliance to our environmental commitments to the DENR and the DOE,” said PWEI assistant vice president for environment and community relations Yrel Ventura.
Ventura said PWEI welcomes the report of DENR-EMB 6, which has the expertise and legitimate authority over environmental regulations in the country.
“The said report clearly disproves any false claims and misleading allegations of negative impact from our Phase 2 project. We urge the few NGOs voicing criticisms when the project have already secured prior approvals, to instead work with PWEI, the DENR, and Aklan authorities in monitoring our renewable energy operations. Delaying the project especially in light of the costly and recent power outage in Panay island will not make the environment and our countrymen better off,” Ventura said.
PWEI is a joint venture of PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) and BCPG Public Company Ltd. of Thailand. PGEC is the renewable energy holding unit of publicly-listed PetroEnergy Resources Corp. owned by the Yuchengco Group.