MANILA, Philippines — ACEN Corporation, the energy platform of the Ayala Group, has completed the second and final phase of its maintenance and upgrade program for the NorthWind wind farm in Bangui Bay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.

With an installed capacity of 52 MW across 20 turbines, NorthWind began operations in 2005 and is widely recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s pioneering commercial wind farms. The project has played an important role in the development of the Philippines’ wind energy sector and remains a landmark renewable energy asset in the region.
The upgrade program was implemented in two phases between 2025 and 2026, covering all 20 turbines and involving extensive mechanical and electrical improvements. According to ACEN, the asset optimization program is expected to enable NorthWind to generate an additional 769 GWh of renewable electricity over the next 10 years, equivalent to the electricity needs of approximately 188,000 households.
The extended operation is also expected to avoid approximately 592,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The project has maintained a strong focus on local participation, with most workers involved in the upgrade coming from communities in Ilocos Norte, supporting local employment while improving the long-term performance of the wind farm.
Miguel de Jesus, Chief Operating Officer of ACEN Philippines, emphasized that developing renewable energy assets is only the beginning, while ensuring their safe, efficient and reliable operation throughout their lifecycle is equally important.
The NorthWind upgrade demonstrates how strategic investment in existing renewable energy infrastructure can help maximize asset value, extend operating life and reduce the need for premature decommissioning.

Continued Investment in Philippine Wind Power

The NorthWind upgrade comes alongside ACEN’s continued expansion of its renewable energy portfolio in the Philippines.
On 10 August, ACEN entered into a short-term loan agreement of up to PHP 1 billion with its wholly owned subsidiary Giga Ace 6 Inc., which serves as the project vehicle for the 344.5 MW Quezon North Wind Project.
ACEN has also outlined plans to complete or commence construction of approximately 1,000 MW of energy projects in 2026, with energy storage forming a significant part of its development pipeline. The company is targeting 20 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and has set a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

AWE Industry Perspective

The NorthWind upgrade highlights the growing importance of asset optimization, repowering and lifecycle management in Southeast Asia’s wind energy market. As the region expands its renewable energy capacity, upgrading existing projects could play an increasingly important role alongside the development of new wind farms.
AWE – ASEAN Wind Energy Expo 2027 will continue to follow these developments and provide a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange insights, explore technologies and strengthen regional cooperation.
We sincerely invite industry professionals, organizations and stakeholders to follow and participate in AWE 2027 as we explore new opportunities and accelerate the development of wind energy across ASEAN.

AWE–ASEAN Wind Energy Expo 2027
17–19 March 2027 | IMPACT Exhibition Centre, Bangkok, Thailand

Source: https://malaya.com.ph/business/corporate/acen-extends-p1b-loan-to-giga-ace-completes-ilocos-wind-farm-repair/

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