windmills of Bangui Bay
The first time I saw them, I could not help but ask myself if I'm still in the Philippines. The wind farm scenery looked like it was in some distant shores in a foreign country. But no its not. The giant wind turbines, spaced 236 meters apart, are on a 9km strip of deserted beach in Brgy. Baruyen in a sleepy town of Bangui in Ilocos Norte.
towering giant
Fifteen of these towering giants started operating in 2005, harnessing the strong wind coming in from South China sea. Each towers is 70 meters tall with 41-meter blades that drive a turbine with a 1.65 mega-watt generating capacity. The farm can generate a maximum of 24.75 mega watts of clean energy.
line of towers
The wind farm, which is being operated by Northwind Power and Development Corporation (a joint venture between Filipino and Danish businessmen), is the first and the largest wind farm in South East Asia.
additional 5 windmills
The initial set of 15 windmills was augmented to include 5 more. The additional turbines will increase the maximum generating capacity of the wind farm to 33 mega watts.
service entrance
The wind farm may not be generating substantial energy (yet) on a national scale (only 0.25% of the National Grid) but it represents the country's willingness to look for a more environmentally friendly source of energy, one that is also sustainable and renewable.
glimmer of hope for renewable energy
The Philippines, with its 36289 km total coastline length, has a huge potential when it comes to wind power. Following the success in Bangui, more sites are now being studied for possible commercial wind farming applications.
37 comments:
I've seen a farm with thousands of windmills in the US, but the one in Bangui seems more dramatic. Id really love to photograph it one day.
Gusto ko yung towering Giant shot! Hanep sa UWA! Gusto ko rin yan balikan one of these days :D
Had you not disclosed, I wouldn't think these were taken in the Philippines. =)
beautiful and earth-friendly. very nice!
i've seen these windmills on tvc and on magazines but haven't been in that part of ilocos. ang galing ng shots! ang husay! =)
very similar to the windmills around here in Germany. hope some parts of the country will develop this kind of renewable energy. very sustainable and eco-friendly.
i thought these were built in la union, ilocos pala.. do you have news how they fared against the recent typhoons?
I love the idea, and they look rather sculptural. But I wonder about problems with birds flying into them.
I love the various ways you captured these windmills. Thank so much for the variety! For some reason they look terrifying in the first pic to me -- but just useful in the last.
Your photos are amazing especially the one where you showed the scale by having a jeepney next to it. Great post.
@r-yo, I agree, its really one of the most scenic places in Ilocos Norte
@ferdz, laki talaga nagagawa ng UWA hehe
@witsandnuts, I would not believe it myself :)
@princesamusang, its Philippine's commitment to clean and renewable energy source
@docgelo, you should visit them doc :)
@The Islander, these windmills were from the Netherlands. Its a sample of Dutch engineering :)
@Daxi, they are still standing strong. the blades have a protection mechanism against very strong winds: they fold.
@Gaelyn, they are gigantic and I guess birds will stay clear of them :)
@Lessie, its my pleasure sharing these photos :)
@Photo Cache, the magic of ultrawide lenses hehehe
On the beach? How interesting - I haven't seen that location yet!
Oh, that's quite a sight and you photos are terrific as always and really give a feel for the size of these! Wow! Wonderful post!
Have a great week!
Sylvia
My first view of such things was in Pennsylvania. USA. I thought I was caught up in some kind of Teletubbies broadcast!
I've seen them from the plane on our way to Batanes. I'd love to see them this up close. Love your photos!
An awesome sight.
Sydney - City and Suburbs
The first photo is very well taken.
I didn't see this place, only in the photos. I should pass by here during day time to take a look myself of this wind mills.
It's unfortunate that everytime I pass by here, it's always in the night time... :(
Such giants - and beautiful too.
I really thank you for this. I never thought we have windmills. Energy from wind. I am aware that in Denmark, this is the main source of their energy, knowing that we are tying up with them is a great news. Great captures.
Always feature our country on its beautiful side made us realize that we are living in a wonderful place.
Excellent photos and article. Windmills is one of the solutions to the current power crisis in my beloved province of Marinduque. Allan, may I used one of your photos in my blog about the power outages and crisis in Marinduque. Thank you in advance! David
Amazing pictures! The work of wonders.
Very great post. We need these environment-friendly endeavors. And efficient too.
With the adverse effect of global warming, building these windmills for electric generation is a good idea.
Our country must continue building or supporting environment friendly electric generation technologies.
Using the windmills and the solar panels helps protect the environment and at the same time ease our dependence to fossil fuels.
wow ang ganda naman nyan....
gamit na gamit ang uwa bai :D with the immensity of these windmills, kelangan talaga to capture the towering giants :)
Nice pictures sir especially yung "towering giant" ang galing at ganda ng kuha.
someday i'm gonna visit this place.
these towering giants are truly indication of hope for the Philippines.
Bonjour,
Does Bangui Windfarm was affected by Typhon last days ?
master at work. ang ganda ng mga shots lalo na yung pang UW. next time makukunan ko na yang isang windmill na yan ng buo.
Great source of clean and renewable energy! Dumami pa sana ang ganyan sa Pinas.
is the windmills not same position?
We'll visit Pagudpud next week. Good thing I've seen your photos... can't wait to visit the windmills. I sure hope we have more of these in the Philippines.
Thanks...
ganda! naluge ako ah! di kasi ako nakasama sa tour namen dyan... sayang.
I have been there but it was raining. I didn't get to enjoy the sight of the windmills. :(
I just been there..yesterday...beautiful!!
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