PNOC seeks partners for mini-hydro projects

MANILA, Philippines - PNOC-Renewables Corp. (PNOC-RC), the renewable energy development unit of state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC), is scouting for partners to develop at least 11 mini-hydro projects.

Pete Maniego, PNOC-RC president, told reporters that while the company would like to take the lead in the development of these RE projects, they would like more private sector participation.

“We will take on partners either local or foreign partners. Although we initiate the projects, we are a government corporation. The government actually encourages private initiative so we will also welcome investors,” he said.

He said they are encouraging investors considering that these RE projects normally require huge amounts of capital.

Of the 11 projects with an estimated cumulative capacity of 200 to 300 megawatts (MW), two are already in advanced stages of development. These are the 6.8-MW Langogan hydropower projects in Palawan and the 7-MW project in Negros Oriental.

Maniego said they would want to implement at least four of these 11 projects by next year. He said they hope to complete the remaining projects in the succeeding years.

After disposing of its geothermal and oil firm subsidiaries, PNOC has vowed to take an active role in RE development particularly in hydro.

PNOC, being in the forefront of energy-related projects of the government, firmed up several hydro projects last year.

It had entered into an agreement with Spanish firm Soluziana S.A. to conduct feasibility studies on the 5.6-MW Babuyan and the 6.8-MW Langogan hydropower projects in Palawan.

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

PNOC has also been looking at developing the 23.5-MW Timbaban hydropower plant in Ma. Cristina Madalag, Aklan. PNOC is also reviewing another hydro project, namely the 17.8-MW Catuiran hydropower project in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

These projects are envisioned to help alleviate the looming power crisis in the Visayas. They are also expected to effectively displace a significant amount of diesel consumption in the province of Mindoro.

In March last year, a feasibility study was completed on the 17.8-megawatt Sicopong hydropower development project in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

PNOC is currently studying the 25-MW Villasiga hydropower project in Sibalom, Antique, the 20-MW Pasil hydropower in Kalinga, the 3.7-MW Paracelis hydropower in the Mountain Province.