Work starts on JICA-funded microhydro power project

MANILA, Philippines - The government, through a Japanese grant, has initiated a microhydro power project that could supply the electricity requirements of a small barangay in Isabela, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced during the weekend.

The DA and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) have started work on a microhydro power project at the Lateral B Canal of the NIA-Magat River Integrated System (MARIIS) in Barangay San Carlos in San Mateo Isabela. The facility is targeted for completion in November this year.

The project is being funded through a grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) but is being carried out by DA, NIA and the Department of Energy.

The microhydro plant is a run-off river power generation facility that could produce 236,000 kilowatt hours (Kwh) of power annually. It uses two turbines installed in the irrigation canal.

“It will showcase the viability of sourcing hydropower from low-head irrigation canals commonly found throughout the country,” the DA said.

Upon completion, the plant could provide electricity to around 500 households in Barangay San Carlos and nearby Barangay Villafuerte.

The microhydro power plant would also serve as a pilot project for other projects that would be undertaken by DA and NIA.