Trans-Asia Renewable Energy Corp. (Tarec) of the Phinma Group has secured the green light from the National Grid Corp. of the Philippine (NGCP) to connect its 54-megawatt wind farm to the main grid.

Tarec is the first wind farm proponent to obtain such certification from the grid operator.

Renewable energy companies, which are required to secure approval from the NGCP, must undergo various field testing to ensure compliance with the prescribed technical specifications and performance standards for grid connection.

“Upon a series of tests and evaluation, Tarec’s wind farm, including its 69-kilovolt (kV)transmission line from Zaldivar to Suclaran which spans 20 kilometers, is now fully energized,” Trans-Asia said.

Issued on May 4, the final approval to connect proves that the wind farm in San Lorenzo, Guimaras passed all the technical requirements stated in the Philippine Grid Code.

The requirements seek to ensure that the project would be able to deliver quality, stable and reliable power to the grid.

Tarec constructed and completed a 138-kilovolt submarine cable with a length of 2.8 kilometers as early as December 2013.

With a cost of P590 million, the connection from Buenavista, Guimaras to Ingore, Iloilo City ensures full transmission ability from the San Lorenzo wind farm while serving as the major connection between the island of Guimaras and the rest of Panay mainland.

Ownership and maintenance of the submarine cable will be transferred to NGCP via purchase agreement.

Tarec president Francisco Viray said the grid connection is a milestone for the company.

“Tarec is proud of this milestone,” he said.

Tarec completed the 54-MW wind farm and commenced commercial operations last Dec. 27.