PNOC unit seeks partners for 11 hydropower projs

By Ted P. Torres (The Philippine Star) Updated August 31, 2011 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - PNOC Renewables Corp. is looking for potential partners for 11 hydropower projects estimated to generate up to 276 megawatts (MW) and investments of about $489 million (roughly P21 billion).


The renewable energy arm of state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC), PNOC renewables was formed to handle the government’s renewable energy projects including hydro, geothermal, wind and solar energy projects.


However, PNOC Renewables admitted the hydro projects are still on the development stage and that feasibility studies will be completed by the end of the year. Majority of the projects are located in frontier areas.


“We will be looking for potential partners and encourage private investment,” Roger Buendia, PNOC Renewables president, said.


The hydro projects are: Jalaur in Iloilo (up to 20 MW); Pacuan-Ginoobaan in La Libertad, Negros Oriental (33 MW); Okoy in Valencia, Negros Oriental (11 MW); Siaton in Negros Oriental (5.4 MW);Dalangan in Oriental Mindoro (18 MW); Sicopong in Negros Occidental (17.8 MW); Nalatang B Kabayan in Benguet (45 MW); Abuan in Ilagan, Isabela (60 MW); and Saltan B (24 MW), Pasil B (20 MW) and Pasil C (22 MW), all located in Kalinga.


Among these projects, the Abuan hydropower project is the most expensive to build at $99.46 million. The Abuan hydro is a reservoir-type hydro power development along the Abuan River and will be located in Villa Imelda, Ilagan, Isabela.


The 45-MW Nalatang B run-of-the-river hydropower project is estimated to cost $61 million. It will be located in Kabayan, Benguet.


The $50-million Jalaur project has a potential capacity of 20 MW but PNOC Renewables is developing an initial 11 MW, which is expected to greatly benefit Visayas electricity consumers.


The Sicopong hydro project, estimated to cost $45 million, is a run-of-the-river type using the potential of the Sicopong River for power generation.


The $46.57-million Pacuan Guinobaan hydro project, meanwhile, is a pump-assisted hydropower development along the Pacuan and Guinobaan Rivers.


PNOC Renewables is also developing the Saltan B hydropower project in Salegseg, Balbalan, Kalinga. The proposed project is estimated to cost $30.9 million.


It is also pushing for the development of the Pasil B and C hydro projects located in Lubuagan, Kalinga. Both projects are run-of-river type hydro project utilizing water from the Pasil River. Pasil B and Pasil C hydro projects will cost $27.5 million and $32.1 million to build, respectively.


PNOC Renewables will also move forward with the 18-MW Dulangan hydro project located at Baco, Oriental, Mindoro, which will cost $34.8 million to construct. The Okoy hydro project, on the other hand, is estimated to cost $14.13 million. The Siaton hydropower project is a run-of-the-river type project costing $16.67 million.