A wind turbine at the Burgos Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte caught fire on Thursday, December 12, 2024, causing concern among residents and stakeholders in the area. The fire reportedly began at 11:30 a.m. in the nacelle, a critical component situated atop the wind turbine tower that houses essential machinery, including the gearbox and generator.
Deborah Melchor, corporate social responsibility program head of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), confirmed the incident in a phone interview. According to Melchor, technical personnel are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
“We have yet to determine its cause. There is no casualty involved, and the wind turbine is situated away from residential areas, ensuring the safety of nearby residents,” Melchor assured.
Responders from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrived at the scene to manage the situation and prevent further escalation.
The nacelle, often considered the heart of a wind turbine, plays a vital role in converting wind energy into electrical power. The damage to this component is expected to temporarily impact the operations of the Burgos Wind Farm, one of Southeast Asia’s largest wind energy facilities.
Residents expressed relief that the incident did not result in any injuries or property damage in the surrounding area. Kayessy Aliana Viernes, a witness who captured video of the burning turbine, said the fire was visible from a distance, sparking initial fears of a larger emergency.
Melchor emphasized EDC’s commitment to maintaining safety and environmental sustainability, stating that the company would take all necessary steps to address the incident. “We are coordinating closely with authorities and will implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future,” she added.
The Burgos Wind Farm, inaugurated in 2014, has been a key contributor to the country’s renewable energy goals, with a capacity of 150 megawatts. While isolated, incidents like these highlight the challenges of maintaining large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.
Authorities assured the public that the fire had been contained and posed no further risk. A detailed report on the investigation’s findings is expected in the coming weeks.