Prime Infra expects to complete 1,400-MW hydro project by 2030

MANILA, Philippines — Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. is looking to complete the development of its massive pumped storage hydropower (PSH) project in Laguna by 2030.

Prime Infra, through Ahunan Power Inc., is steadily advancing the construction of the 1,400-megawatt Pakil PSH Project, a winner of the government’s third green energy auction program.

Upon completion, the project is expected to power around 2.3 million households and cut 3.1 million tons of carbon emissions annually.

And to address potential vulnerabilities around the project site, Ahunan Power has set an P80-million integrated management plan aimed at ensuring watershed protection and forest conservation.

This comes after an assessment found that the two subwatersheds in the area are “highly susceptible to rain-induced landslide and soil erosion.”

Low-lying areas within the Pakil River Watershed were also said to have been prone to flooding.

Through the multimillion-peso integrated plan, Ahunan Power aims to improve ecological resilience and support upland and community development.

These strategies include reforestation, agroforestry development, nursery establishment and operation, establishment of arboretum and watershed protection.

“Ahunan approaches renewable energy development with a commitment to protect and preserve the vital ecosystems surrounding the Pakil River and Malaking Ilog-Tibag watersheds to ensure a sustainable future for the communities we serve,” it said.