Valuing Ecological Threats of Renewable Energy Facilities in Aklan: Wind Farm and Hydropower Plant

Abstract

Resorting to renewable energies is one of the strategies that are being adapted globally to supply the increasing demand with "less" negative effects to environment. New trends of gadgets in the markets are changing every minute, thus requiring more and more power to generate in consonance with the growing population. This study is intended to assess the biophysical, social and economic value (in monetary worth) the damages/loss to environment caused by hydropower development and wind energy systems in Aklan despite all the positive reviews on renewable energies, giving the world a new "hope" for sustainable future. The researcher describes the two (2) RE systems: (1) the 36-Megawatt Nabas Wind Power Project of PetroWind Energy Incorporated (PWEI) located in Brgys. Pawa, Unidos, Rizal and Napaan in municipalities of Nabas and Malay and (2) the 18-MW Timbaban Hydropower Project of Oriental Energy and Power Generation Corporation (OEPGC) in Brgy. Maria Cristina, Madalag, Aklan. In doing so, determining their impacts on immediate environment is made possible. Conservation projects incorporated in their FLAg's are evaluated whether intervention compensates the damages incur to environment or not. While doing the research, the author observes obscurity and reluctance from both renewable energy companies in providing data, thus resorting to secondary ones. However, biophysical assessment was done by using Land Cover Maps and GIS tools observing the patch richness and habitat fragmentation. Ecological impacts in plant, river and watershed levels were measured using Multi Scale Model Framework of X.J.Li, et al. (2015). Impacts on social and economic aspects were described based on interviews among stakeholders and local residents adjoining RE facilities. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools are also used in determining the significance of the scale of ecological impacts caused by RE systems. Integrating all facets of environment, political aspect plays major role in defining the requirements and limitations which govern RE systems. A policy proposal to ensure the effectiveness of mitigating measures and conservation efforts made by or to be undertaken by any RE developer is recommended by the author.