Local firm Suweco to build P1-B mini hydropower plant

SAN JOSE, Antique — Filipino-owned Sun West Water & Electric Co. (Suweco) will build a P1.01-billion mini hydropower plant project in Bugasong, Antique, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said.

Reyes, who witnessed the signing of the power supply contract between Suweco and Antique Electric Cooperative Inc. (Anteco), said the hydropower facility will have a capacity of 8,000 kilowatts (kw) or eight megawatts (MW).

He said the project would allow the country to save about of 50,2000 barrels of fuel oil equivalent.

Based on data, the project will bring about some $6.8 million or P292 million in annual foreign exchange savings to the government.

Reyes said the project, which will be constructed at a cost of P123,319 per kw, will also help bring down the level of carbon dioxide emission.

Reyes has been promoting the development of renewable energy such as mini-hydro projects.

For one, state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC), which Reyes chairs, is pushing for other hydropower projects.

Last year, PNOC and Spanish firm Soluziana S.A. started conducting feasibility studies for the 5.6-MW Babuyan and the 6.8-MW Langogan hydropower projects in Palawan.

The Spanish government will fund the study through a 235,000-euro grant from the Instituto de Credito Official.

In addition, PNOC is also studying the possibility of developing the 23.5-MW Timbalan Hydropower in Ma. Cristina Madalag, Aklan.

For the Timbalan hydropower project, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) funded the feasibility study.

The results of the Timbalan study is now being reviewed and evaluated by the PNOC Investments and Appraisals Committee (PNOC-IAC).

PNOC is also looking at the 17.8-MW Catuiran hydropower project in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. The feasibility study is also funded by JETRO.

Once completed, the two projects would help ease the looming power shortage in the Visayas. These would also help displace a significant amount of diesel consumption in the province of Mindoro.

In 2006, a feasibility study was also completed on a 17.8-MW Sicopong hydropower development project in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

PNOC is also eyeing other areas for hydropower development such as the 20-MW Pasil hydropower in Kalinga; and the 3.7-MW Paracelis hydropower in Mountain Province.

Another project in Ifugao is also being studied to restore and protect the Banawe Rice Terraces.