In a statement, PNOC said MOREnergy is a consortium of Mecaro Rio Vista Energy Corp. (MOREnergy), Mecaro Co. Ltd., Philippine Nippon Steel Construction (PNS Construction) and ESCA Engineering.

Under this alliance, PNOC said it will share with the MOREnergy consortium available technical, financial and environmental studies and information relative to the country’s wind- energy program.

PNOC added that MOREnergy will make available its expertise in the development of wind-energy projects in areas where the generation of electric and mechanical power using wind energy is proven to be a viable alternative.

The newest wind technology that PNOC is eyeing is the Spiral Magnus wind turbine developed by Mecaro, which does not make use of the common propeller-type blades.

PNOC explained that the technology makes use of cylinder-shaped blades with spirally arranged fins attached around the cylinders.

PNOC further noted that the result is a wind turbine that achieves higher efficiencies in lower wind speeds than traditional wind turbines.

“Because rotational speed is about one-sixth of common propeller types, these turbines are relatively quiet and typhoon-resistant. The Spiral Magnus wind turbine employs the proven Magnus Effect lift, which turns the turbines that generate electricity by spinning cylinders in a wind stream,” PNOC added.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, who also chairs PNOC, expressed his approval over the joint cooperation, saying, “Studies by the US Department of Energy–National Renewable Energy Laboratory show that the country has a total wind resource of 76,600 megawatts, which PNOC aims to tap into this abundant renewable-energy source with the latest in wind technology,” Reyes said.

For his part, Antonio Cailao, PNOC president, said his company is hitting the ground running as PNOC pursues its wind-energy development program.

“We are excited to sign this cooperation with the group of MOREnergy, which is just as serious in making renewable energy work for us and for our country using the latest wind-turbine technology,” said Cailao.

PNOC will also assist the MOREnergy group in coordinating with other government agencies and nongovernment organizations and other organizations for the successful promotion and implementation of wind-energy projects in the Philippines.

MOREnergy will help PNOC in obtaining technical assistance and technology transfer in the field of wind energy development, and will also help PNOC develop practical applications of wind power in rural areas and areas not adequately served by electric utilities.

PNOC noted that Mecaro Co. Ltd. is a leading Japanese company in the field of renewable energy, specifically compact wind turbines. It is the registered patent owner of the first Spiral Magnus wind turbine and all its parts and accessories.

PNS Construction, on the other hand, is an established steel supplier, while ESCA is a respected engineering company specializing in structural and civil-works design and project management.

PNOC added that behind all this is a technical, financial and equity support of Nippon Steel Composite Co. Ltd., the leading composite material manufacturer in Japan and supplier of specified patented materials such as CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastics) and also an affiliate of internationally reputed Nippon Steel of Japan.

PNOC noted that senior officials of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are also studying the prospects of financially supporting these projects, with a developmental focus on projects that will alleviate impoverished areas in the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines - The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are mulling to extend financial support as state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) is on a lookout for possible wind energy projects, company president Antonio M. Cailao said.

An agreement was signed by PNOC, which administers and monitors oil and power supply of the country, with a Japanese consortium.

Mecaro Rio Vista Energy Corp. (MOREnergy), Mecaro Co. Ltd., Philippine Nippon Steel Construction (PNS Construction) and ESCA Engineering formed an alliance to provide expertise in wind energy projects to PNOC, which will supply technical, financial and environmental studies and information on the country's wind energy program.

“We are hitting the ground running as PNOC pursues its wind energy development program. We are excited to sign this cooperation with the group of MOREnergy which is just as serious in making renewable energy work for us and for our country using the latest wind turbine technology," Cailao said.

MOREnergy is a joint venture of Rio Vista Properties and Mecaro Co. Ltd. Japan, which holds the patent of the world's first wind turbine system Spiral Magnus Wind Turbine that has spiral-shaped fins coiled around instead of propeller-type blades.

It will assist PNOC in getting technical aid and technology transfer.

“Studies by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that the country has a total wind resource of 76,600 megawatts (MW) and PNOC intends to tap into this abundant renewable energy source with the latest in wind technology," Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes said. -GMANews.TV