Alternative energy source: P2.5B solar power plant to operate in June 2016

CEBU, Philippines - A P2.5-billion, 25-megawatt solar power plant will soon rise in Daanbantayan, Cebu and is expected to be operational by June next year.

In a statement, Mayor Augusto Corro said the project, which broke ground the other day and is the first in Cebu, would be a great help to his constituents.

“We are first here in Cebu to embrace renewable energy. It will also give employment because it (facility) needs guards, electricians, and cleaners,” he said.

He said among the expected outcome of the project is stable power supply, economic development, one less power plant emitting carbon dioxide, promotion of  renewable energy, and  job creation.

Daanbantayan has an estimated power consumption of 2.5 megawatts per day for its approximately 15,000 consumers.

The mayor said that with the increasing power demand, the plant would provide base load and additional power supply to Cebu and the entire Visayas grid.

The project is under the Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) Scheme offered to renewable energy developers by the Department of Energy.

Corro said the P2.5-billion CeKO Solar Farm Systems Corporation would spend is just an initial investment, as the company plans to spend a total of P10 billion to provide a total of 100 mw of solar power.

The groundbreaking ceremony last Friday was led by Corro, Vice Mayor Gilberto Arrabis, Jr., CeKO Solar chairman Yong Soo Lee, CeKO Solar Philippines president Jessie Tundag.

The solar power plant facility would sit on a 25-hectare land that Tundag said is not agriculturally viable but has a flat terrain that is perfect for a solar farm.

The power plant is expected to generate 43,800 mw per year and will be generating power for 4.8 hours a day. The solar panels have a 30-year life expectancy.

Lee also said the facility would be an attraction of the municipality as this will be the first solar power plant in Cebu.

Arrabis, on the other hand, assured the investors that their investments would not be wasted and would be a good help to them. — /RHM (FREEMAN)