Japanese Firm Proposes Wind Turbines to Boost Eastern Samar’s Emergency Power Capacity

Posted on May. 4, 2026 at 11:47 am

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar – A Tokyo-based renewable energy company has proposed installing vertical-axis wind turbines across Eastern Samar to strengthen the province’s emergency power capabilities, with CEO Atsushi Shimizu of Challengery Japan paying a courtesy visit to Governor RV Evardone on April 27 to present the initiative.

The firm specializes in small, durable wind turbines developed in the wake of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami – designed for easy transport, rapid installation, and resilience in disaster-prone areas. To date, 21 of these vertical-axis turbines are already operational in Japan, proving their reliability in challenging conditions.

Potential installation sites identified include the municipalities of Dolores, Can-avid, Taft, and Borongan City, with three barangays initially targeted: Bugas, Maypangdan, and Sabang South.

Building on this proposal, Governor Evardone suggested expanding the initiative to remote islands like Suluan and Hilabaan – communities that currently rely on diesel generators and community-managed solar panels for their power needs.

According to project timelines, site selection is set to be finalized by June 2026, with mobilization activities beginning in July. Implementation will take place from 2026 to 2028, after which all turbines will be donated to the province at no cost.

The company focuses on developing energy solutions tailored for regions vulnerable to natural disasters, ensuring that communities have access to reliable power even during emergencies or when traditional energy sources are disrupted.