It began as a “twinkle in the eye” of a group enterprising individuals who envisioned an energy revolution, a revolution premised on clean technology and renewable sources. These individuals were not merely technologically-savvy and business-minded, they also shared a deep passion for the environment. Thus the NorthWind Power Development Corporation (NorthWind) was born.

The company’s formation came at a time of rising energy needs, skyrocketing fuel prices, and global concern for the environment. The actions we perform today, NorthWind knows, will affect our planet and every creature living on it. It was an auspicious time for NorthWind, too, since the Philippine government was strengthening its thrust for new and renewable energy through energy policy reform. NorthWind set out to establish a wind power plant that could benefit the community, forward the cause of indigenous resources, and at the same time save the environment from harmful greenhouse gases.

Setting up a wind power plant in Southeast Asia had never been attempted before. Many thought it couldn’t be done, that it was neither technically possible nor economically feasible, particularly in the Philippines. But NorthWind believed in the project and began gathering available information and conducted further research on its own and with its partners. Bangui Bay, Ilocos Norte, was identified as a potentially ideal site for a wind farm.

In 2000, NorthWind began to collect detailed wind measurements on Bangui Bay. After the necessary agreements were ratified with the concerned government agencies, construction of the wind power plant was begun. The construction itself presented many challenges as the weather was far from friendly during the installation of the wind tower, nacelle, and rotor.

With the completion and full operation of the 15 wind turbines in 2005, NorthWind began delivering power to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, supplying 40% of the total electrical energy requirements of the cooperative. Because of Northwind’s cheaper power rates, annual saving passed on to consumers in 2006 alone reached  US$ 1.4 million  (PHP 70 million).

Because the NorthWind project provides power using non-polluting technology, it contributes greatly to a cleaner environment. It is in fact the first company in the Philippines to be covered by the Kyoto Protocol’s UNFCCC registration and Emission Reduction Purchase Agreement, with the World Bank purchasing the CER’s from the Project.

Through its corporate social responsibility initiatives, it donates to the local government of Ilocos Norte Php 0.01 for every kWh it generates.

With a Bangui visitor center in the offing and the projected expansion of its energy projects in other areas, NorthWind has become a dynamic company which is at the forefront of the campaign for a sustainable future.