Generating the electricity that powers our homes, offices, factories, and agriculture creates the second largest share of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Approximately 84% of global energy comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal in power stations.
As we know, fossil fuels are finite sources, and their impact on the planet can be disastrous when extracted and used. Our current use of coal suggests we will run out of it in about 1,000 years, unlike wind, water and solar power, which can be used indefinitely. The UN-supported Burgos Wind project is helping to turn the tide on this negative environmental impact by providing the Philippines with a source of clean, renewable energy and stable employment for local communities.
When burnt, fossil fuels release carbon dioxide, which adds to the greenhouse effect and increases global warming. They’re also awful for our health. Fossil fuels generate localised air pollution such as soot and smog, a known factor in the increase of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
It’s critical that we turn towards renewable sources such as wind power to reduce our reliance on such an unsustainable form of energy production.
Located north of Manila, one of the best areas in the Philippines to generate clean wind energy, it’s one of the largest wind farms in South East Asia, with 50 turbines currently powering the National Grid. It generates 370GWh of electricity and offsets 200,000t of CO2 emissions annually.
The Burgos Wind Project is helping to displace the generation of energy from other sources, such as fossil fuels. It also maintains strict standards on land use, water and waste disposal, as well as noise monitoring, ensuring there is little to no negative impact on the environment around the farm.
The team working on the wind farm are also dedicated to leading initiatives with local governments and communities to not only promote the protection of the environment but educate on ways they can work together to support a healthy environment.
Through a local radio program, the team discusses various environmental topics with the local communities, focusing on maintaining healthy ecosystems and understanding why protecting the environment is critical.
During construction, The Burgos Wind Farm generated a significant number of jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers when unemployment rates were high.
The farm continues to employ members of the local community to help with the operation of the turbines. Training for unskilled workers is provided through the project's partnership with universities and government-accredited training facilities.
The project also strives to help the local community in times of disaster. Between 2000 and 2016, 23,000 people were killed, and 125 million people were displaced due to natural climate disasters in The Philipines. Typhoons alone hit the country some 20 times per year on average.The Burgos Wind Team partner with local government agencies to respond quickly and safely to residents and lead initiatives to help educate locals on how to stay safe during typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
This project is registered as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Trade and Export Finance named the Burgos Wind Project as the “Best ECA (Export Credit Agency) backed Green Deal” and one of the “Top Ten Global Deals of 2015”. Visit the UN verification report here.
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