Napocor finalizing rehab plan for Pulangui hydro system

Business Mirror
SUNDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2012 17:46 PAUL ISLA


THE National Power Corp. (Napocor) is finalizing the rehabilitation plan for the Pulangui IV hydropower system, Energy Undersecretary Josefina Patricia Asirit told reporters.


In a presentation, the Department of Energy (DOE) official said the dredging and rehabilitation of the Pulangui IV hydropower system will entail between P600 million and P1.2 billion in investments.


Asirit said the government agency is still awaiting the results of the study that will help determine which portions of the Pulangui IV hydropower system need to be dredged.


Asirit said the budget has yet to be submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordinating Committee (Neda-ICC). But the rehabilitation project will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).


“We are just waiting for the final report on sediment control and reservoir management plan which should have been submitted end of January and to be consolidated and submitted to the Neda,” she said.


Asirit said the uprating of Units 1 and 2 of the Agus VI hydropower system has already been approved by the Neda and is ready for implementation.


The uprating, according to Asirit, could happen any time within the year. Uprating the Agus VI will help extend the economic life of this hydropower plant, she said.


Asirit said Napocor has already asked the DPWH to include the uprating of the Agus VI in its lists of projects for the year, and that the project has yet to be bid out. She said the energy department will follow the project with the DPWH.


Last year, Napocor said Neda has already approved the rehabilitation of the 700 megawatt (MW) Agus hydropower complex. Napocor added that the rehabilitation of the Agus hydropower complex could bring an additional 5 MW to 10 MW of generating capacity.


(Paul Isla)