Bangui Wind Farm - Bangui (Ilocos Norte)
A 9 km long strip of windmills forms a breathtaking sight at the northwestern outer tip of Luzon Island. Known as the Bangui Wind Farm, this Ilocos Norte landmark offers stunning views, and fascinating insight into sustainable energy.
Exploring Ilocos Norte? Don't miss the iconic Bangui Wind Farm! This popular destination offers unique photo opportunities among its 20 towering windmills lining Bangui Bay. Get ready to capture unforgettable memories of your Ilocos adventure...
Ilocos Norte: Home to the Bangui Wind Farm
Located at the northwestern tip of Luzon Island in the province of Ilocos Norte, the Bangui Wind Farm is a sight to behold. Its windmills trace a graceful arc along Bangui Bay, facing the West Philippine Sea. Thanks to Ilocos' unique position between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, strong winds create ideal conditions for one of Southeast Asia's most notable wind farms. While the Burgos Wind Farm now holds the "biggest" title, the Bangui Wind Farm remains a historical landmark of sustainable energy in the Philippines.
Pioneering Sustainability: The Danish Influence on the Bangui Wind Farm
In 1998, a generous $48 million grant from the Danish government kickstarted the Bangui Wind Farm project. Building on their own expertise in wind power, Denmark provided all the wind turbine generators through Vestas Wind Systems, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
Completed in two phases (1998 and 2008), the Bangui Wind Farm now boasts 25 wind turbines generating a powerful 33 megawatts of electricity. This makes it a significant contributor to Ilocos Norte's clean energy initiatives, supplying roughly 50% of the province's power needs. The project's impact is impressive: an estimated 56,788 tons of CO2 are reduced annually, placing Ilocos Norte and the surrounding area among the most environmentally conscious regions in developing Asia.
Enjoying Your Visit to the Bangui Wind Farm
Of course, the Bangui Windmills aren't just about history and facts – they're a fantastic photo spot and a unique place to relax! The site is open during daylight hours and easily accessible for visitors. Want an unforgettable experience? Horseback rides are available for 100 PHP (1.79 USD). Browse for souvenirs like miniature windmills at the entrance stalls, and grab a refreshing drink or snack before continuing your Ilocos Norte adventure. Plan to spend an hour or two taking it all in!
Technical Details: The Bangui Wind Turbines
Intrigued by the engineering behind the Bangui Wind Farm? Here's a closer look:
- Impressive Scale: The windmill array stretches an impressive 9 km (5.6 mi) along the coastline.
- Spacious Design: Individual windmills are spaced 326 m (1,070 ft) apart for optimal performance.
- Powerful Components:
- Tower Height: 70 m (230 ft)
- Blade Length: 41 m (135 ft)
- Rotor Diameter: 82 m (269 ft)
- Wind Swept Area: 5,281 sq m (56,840 sq ft)
- Vesta V82 Technology: Each turbine utilizes a V82 Vesta model, renowned for its 1.65 MW capacity.
- Base Diameter: The sturdy base of each windmill measures 6 m in diameter.
- Collective Power: The wind farm generates a total of 32.4 megawatts of clean energy.
- Longevity: The wind generation equipment has an estimated lifespan of 21 years.
Plan Your Visit to the Bangui Wind Farm
Whether you're a photographer or simply seeking a unique Ilocos Norte experience, the scenic Bangui Wind Farm is a worthwhile stop on your journey. Capture incredible photos (even drone footage from further inland!), but note the beach, while beautiful, isn't ideal for swimming.
Getting There: Traveling by bus? Take the 'Laoag to Cagayan' route and look for signs near Burgos. Don't hesitate to ask the friendly driver or conductor for help – they're happy to point you in the right direction. The windmills are easily visible from the highway, making them hard to miss!
Have an unforgettable time at the Bangui Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte!
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