SN POWER is set to identify a green-field hydroelectric-power project by early 2011 as it tries to expand its operations in the country.
Rodolfo Azanza, SN Power country director for the Philippines, said the Norway-based firm will still venture with its local partner Aboitiz Power in its new project which should be at least 100 megawatts.
“We have a well-working partnership with Aboitiz Power and they are giving it a very positive value in the partnership,” Azanza said during the climate-change reporting workshop organized by the Philippine Network of Environmental Journalists.
The joint venture SN Aboitiz currently manages the 360-MW Magat, 100-MW Binga and soon to operate 210-MW Ambuklao hydroelectric dams in Luzon. Azanza said the firm, together with Aboitiz, is looking at the whole country for their next project.
“We are currently at the selection stage and we should be able to identify our new project by 2011,” Azanza said in an interview. “Our thrust in the Philippines is to develop more greenfield projects.”
The workshop, held in Manila, was supported by the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA).
Azanza said hydroelectic power is still viable despite the regular onslaught of the long dry spell in different parts of the Philippines. He said proper watershed management and livelihood opportunities for the communities, which prevents the people from destroying protected areas, help in the long-term sustainability of water-powered generation plants.
“If we do not regularly contribute to watershed management and livelihood opportunities for the community, then it’s going to be a lot worse for us when the long dry spell comes,” Azanza said.
Being a green company, SN is also helping out the environment in other ways by buying supplies only from green companies—businesses that do not destroy the environment.
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