By Robert A. Evora Posted on September 20, 2012 12:01 am
CALAPAN CITY—Oriental Mindoro is turning to new sources of alternative energy to become surplus producer of electricity even as it needs a “fallback position” to avert supervening shortages.
Rep. Rodolfo Valencia said the entire island is known to be naturally endowed to make a significant contribution to the Luzon Grid.
“There are more than 35 waterfalls and rivers as renewable sources of energy listed in the Oriental Mindoro Power Development Program awaiting to be tapped and funded,” he said.
“These river-based alternative sources of power are projected to generate 160 megawatts of electricity more than enough to supply our present power needs.”
Hydro power is the first renewable energy project on the island bankrolled by a P405 million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines taken out by Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative.
But OMEC president Audel Arago said things may worsen before full capacity is achieved.
“Oriental Mindoro must be prepared (for) a serious power crisis in two years,” he said, referring to the supply level.
Last June, the cooperative admitted during a public consultation that the province needed 28.87 to 30.5 MW but the present two fuel-run plants, a generator and two mini hydros could only deliver 28.60 MW.
The franchisee said Calapan alone required 9.37 MW and 11 MW at peak demand from 15 barangays of the city.
Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. has endorsed to Malacañang Valencia’s proposal for power interconnection between Mindoro and Batangas, among other projects to diversify the energy sector.
“We hope to see a progressive Mindoro Oriental among the revitalized provinces heading the drive towards a future of sustainable growth,” Umali said.
Energy Secretary Rene Almendras has described the province as the “Green Island” and “Renewable Energy Power Capital of the Philippines.” source
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