Gotianun group firms up power projects

Manila Standard Today

By Alena Mae S. Flores   Posted on Oct. 15, 2012 at 12:01am

FDC Utilities Inc., the power and utilities unit of Filinvest Development Corp., is firming up power generation projects around the country and conducting a grid impact study for some of them.

The company has received approval of the Energy Department for National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to conduct a grid impact study on its proposed 20-megawatt biomass-coal thermal power project in Davao Del Norte.

It also obtained approval to conduct grid impact studies on its proposed 300-MW coal-fired power plant in Misamis Oriental and similar stations with capacities of 24-MW coal project in Danao, Cebu and 15-MW in Minabac, Camarines Sur.

The study will determine the impact of interconnecting the power projects to their respective grids.

Filinvest chairman Jonathan Gotianun said in May FDC Utilities was looking at putting up at least 200 MW of combined clean coal and biomass power plants worth at least P25 billion.

He said Filinvest was reviewing the design and location of the plants, including those in Cebu, Camarines Sur, Negros island and Davao City.

FDC Utilities said earlier it would re-enter power generation and join the water distribution and treatment business this year.

The Filinvest Group has gained experience in the power industry since 1995 through the ownership of East Asia Power Corp. and Cebu Private Power Corp. in 1998 until 2000.

The company said it had been building its portfolio of clients for power generation and water distribution services in key growth areas in the country since its incorporation in December 2009.

The company has signed an electric power purchase agreement with Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative Inc. for 40 megawatts (net of 32 MW) over a 25-year period.

The company is evaluating a potential water desalination facility to address the water requirements of a key business district in the Visayas.   source