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TUESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2011 18:27 JENNIFER A. NG / REPORTER
LOCAL-utility firm Ormin Power Inc. (OPI) is seeking to reduce the reliance of the province of Oriental Mindoro on petroleum by producing power through the construction of a 10-megawatt (MW) hydroelectric power plant. Ormin Power, a subsidiary of listed firm Jolliville Holdings Corp., said the hydroelectric plant is being constructed along the Inabasan River in San Teodoro municipality.
“It will use two Pelton turbines to produce 10 MW at 80-percent efficiency. Capacity in the Philippines typically ranges from 35 percent to 65 percent,” said Ormin Power Executive Vice President Boyet Ilagan.
“The hydroelectric plant will contribute immensely to the stabilization of power supply, reduce system loss and lower the power-generation cost mix in Oriental Mindoro,” he said.
The Ormin Power executive noted that the continuous increase in the international price of petroleum is making it more challenging to produce cost-efficient power.
He said developing the country’s hydropower resources is “essential” to ensuring that the Philippines will be able to meet energy demand over the next 10 years.
The Department of Energy is seeking to double current generating capacity from hydropower sources by 2013, as provided for under the Renewable Energy Policy Framework.
“Ormin Power aims to help meet the demand for sufficient and continuous power supply for the increasing number of households, commercial establishments and industries in Oriental Mindoro. Its objectives are in line with the call of the Department of Energy for the need to expand and upgrade power-generating facilities throughout the country,” said Ilagan.
Earlier reports indicated that the hydroelectric power plant will be operational by 2012. The company did not indicate the amount it invested for constructing the plant.
The company is keen on serving the needs of the increasing number of establishments that have sprouted in Oriental Mindoro, particularly in Calapan City. Just recently, Robinsons Retail Group has set up shop in Calapan.
Analysts earlier pointed to the availability of water and power as major factors that make Calapan an attractive investment site. Calapan is the capital of Oriental Mindoro and is regarded as the “Gateway to the Golden Isle.”
Ormin Power recently opened its 6.4-MW power plant in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. The plant, which uses fuel, is expected to produce up to 4.6 million kilowatt hours per month.
Ilagan noted that the output of the plant will be sold to Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative Inc. (Ormeco) for distribution to end users.
Ormin Power noted that Ormeco’s current peak demand is 28 MW and its energy demand is 159.67 million kilowatts per hour.
Ormeco distributes power to the entire province of Oriental Mindoro which consists of Calapan City and 14 municipalities including Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, Baco, Naujan, Victoria, Socorro, Pola, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay, and Bulalacao.
The 5,000-square-meter plant is located in Sta Isabel in Calapan and has four modular power-generating units and a heavy fuel oil-treatment unit with a cooling water system and intake air exhaust gas system.
The diesel generating set is designed to produce electric power using a Himsen engine manufactured by Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea.
The 6.4-MW plant costs P360 million and was partly financed by a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines.
In Photo: The Ormin power plant in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
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