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Province of Isabela EN FIL ILO

Isabela to test vertical axis wind turbine under Tokyo, Japan’s promotion project

April 21, 2026 Public Information Office

An off-grid vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) will be piloted in Isabela under Tokyo, Japan’s Global South GX Promotion Project, marking the province’s first deployment of the technology and supporting its renewable energy initiatives for clean and sustainable power.

A delegation from Challenergy Inc., a Japanese company known for its VAWTs, visited the Isabela Provincial Capitol on April 20 to formally introduce the project and coordinate with local officials.

The delegation included Koichi Watanabe, Atsushi Shimizu, and Vanessa Villalobos of Challenergy Inc., together with representatives from Abratique Construction.

The project originated from discussions held in November 2025 at the Philippine Embassy in Japan, where Isabela Governor Rodito T. Albano met with Japanese stakeholders to discuss local energy needs and possible applications of small-scale wind turbine technology in the province.

The project aims to accelerate the adoption of green technologies supporting decarbonization through a pilot implementation, with 2–3 units of 1.5-meter-tall turbines installed at each of 2–3 sites in July 2026.

According to Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Lalaine C. Delmendo, the team has already conducted site visits in the municipalities of Delfin Albano and Roxas to assess wind conditions, accessibility, and potential installation areas for the pilot turbine.

Unlike conventional propeller-type turbines, VAWTs use rotating cylinders, making them more resilient to strong winds and tropical cyclones common in the Philippines.
 
The pilot project will test off-grid applications such as lighting, CCTV systems, and satellite communication. Its compact design allows easy transport and installation without heavy machinery, while its simple structure makes it durable, low-maintenance, and suitable for remote areas.
 

Vice Governor Kiko Dy welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to improve access to reliable and sustainable power in local communities.

Data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory show that Isabela has an estimated wind energy potential of 4,000 to 8,000 megawatts, indicating strong prospects for renewable energy development in the province.  – Isabela PIO