Manila Standard Today
By Alena Mae S. Flores | Sep. 30, 2015 at 11:20pm
The Energy Department is preparing measures to address the impact of El Niño on Mindanao, including the deployment of modular generating sets.
Hydro-electric plants are expected to bear the brunt of the El Niño among the country’s power generating facilities.
“For Mindanao, the power situation will be a challenge in the event of moderate to severe El Niño phenomenon since the share of the hydropower mix in Mindanao accounts for 50 and 42 percent of the power generation mix in 2014 and January to June 2015, respectively,” Energy Undersecretary Loreta Ayson said during an economic briefing Wednesday.
The power supply situation in Luzon and Visayas, meanwhile, will be manageable based on initial simulations and “in the absence of forced outages in the power plants... ”
The official noted the share of hydro power plants in Luzon and Visayas accounted for just 7.6 percent and 5.2 percent of the power generation mix in 2014 and from January to June 2015, respectively.
The department’s action plan to mitigate the impact of El Niño includes intensified energy efficiency and conservation campaigns, implementation of the interruptible load program, ensuring minimal forced outages of power plants and managing the maintenance schedule, transmission and distribution facilities.
It also calls for the optimization of the dispatch protocol on power plants with hydro stations serving the peaking requirements and the deployment of modular gensets.
The department formed an energy task force on El Niño composed of the Energy Department and major associations such as power generators, private distribution utilities and electric cooperatives.
Energy assistant director Irma Exconde said the task force received support from energy stakeholders, including hydro power generators, to help prepare for El Niño.
“We already sent all the letters to the generators, especially the hydro. The first to second quarters are the critical period,” she said.
Exconde said the department was also in talks with the National Renewable Energy Board to gather data on the power plants that would come online during the critical period.
She said Mindanao suffered the worst impact of the El Niño phenomenon in 2010 when the region experienced up to 18 hours of brownouts.
The official said the department was hoping to get the cooperation of the Mindanao plants to move their maintenance before or after the critical period next year.
Energy officer-in-charge Zenaida Monsada earlier said while the department was still finalizing new estimates on the effect of El Niño on power supply, Mindanao would likely bear brunt of the impact.
“DoE is finalizing new estimates on effect of El Niño because we still
have rains and some hydro dams are filled up. For Luzon, there might not be too much impact on power supply due to El Niño but the worst [affected] will be Mindanao in the fourth quarter and first quarter 2016, on initial estimates,” Monsada said. source
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
NGCP upgrades substation serving wind farms in Ilocos Norte
Manila Bulletin
September 30, 2015
Power grid operator and transmission service provider National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) recently announced an increase in the capacity of its San Esteban Substation in Ilocos Sur with the upgrading of its power transformer from 50megaVolt amperes(50MVA) to 100MVA.
With this expansion, NGCP had boosted the capability and reliability of the power transformer to accommodate the growing generation capacity from wind farms in Ilocos Norte such as the Energy Development Corporation in Burgos, North Luzon Renewable Energy Corporation in Pagudpud, and North Luzon Wind Power Corporation in Bangui.
NGCP’s San Esteban Substation is a critical link to the grid as it transmits around 280megawatts to the Luzon Grid.
This project also catersto the increasing load demand from connected power customersAbra Electric Cooperative (ABRECO), Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO), and Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC).
The upgraded transformer was energized at last September 5.
The San Esteban Substation now has two100-MVA power transformers.
NGCP is a privately-owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets.
The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power transmission network, is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy, Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation led by Robert Coyiuto, Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner. source
September 30, 2015
Power grid operator and transmission service provider National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) recently announced an increase in the capacity of its San Esteban Substation in Ilocos Sur with the upgrading of its power transformer from 50megaVolt amperes(50MVA) to 100MVA.
With this expansion, NGCP had boosted the capability and reliability of the power transformer to accommodate the growing generation capacity from wind farms in Ilocos Norte such as the Energy Development Corporation in Burgos, North Luzon Renewable Energy Corporation in Pagudpud, and North Luzon Wind Power Corporation in Bangui.
NGCP’s San Esteban Substation is a critical link to the grid as it transmits around 280megawatts to the Luzon Grid.
This project also catersto the increasing load demand from connected power customersAbra Electric Cooperative (ABRECO), Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO), and Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC).
The upgraded transformer was energized at last September 5.
The San Esteban Substation now has two100-MVA power transformers.
NGCP is a privately-owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets.
The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power transmission network, is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy, Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation led by Robert Coyiuto, Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner. source
Malacañang keeps hands off on Ombudsman’s probe of Meralco deal involving Poe, Binay backers
Business Miror
by Butch Fernandez - September 30, 2015
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday played down fears in the markets it had anything to do with an ongoing Ombudsman inquiry into a supposed “sweetheart deal” involving the government financial institutions’ (GFIs) 2009 sale of Meralco shares to businesses coincidentally seen as supporters and potential donors of the two closest rivals of administration standard bearer Manuel R. Roxas in the 2016 elections.
“The Ombudsman is an independent office that guards its mandate of independence fiercely,” said Secretary Edwin Lacierda, President Aquino’s chief spokesman.
The Palace official was reacting to reports that the Ombudsman’s investigation of the six-year-old transaction may be intended to scare businesses said to be identified with groups inclined to support 2016 presidential derby front-runner Sen. Grace Poe or Vice President Jejomar Binay instead of Roxas, President Aquino’s “anointed” candidate to succeed him.
Earlier reports said the investigation of a deal done six years ago had raised eyebrows since the GFIs even reaped a substantial windfall when Meralco shares then trading at P60 were sold at P90.
Asked if the Palace will look into the matter, Lacierda indicated the Office of the President is taking a hands-off stance, assuring it will respect the Ombudsman’s independence.
“Who, how and what the Ombudsman decides to investigate is entirely their decision,” Lacierda added.
The Ombudsman itself had earlier confirmed the ongoing probe of an alleged sweetheart deal involving the Social Security System’s approval of a block sale of Meralco shares to a company identified with businessman Roberto Ongpin, even if the sale was reported to have “made a significant premium.”
The GFIs involved in the deal, including the Government Service Insurance System, was also said to have reaped P17 billion in windfall profit.
Other GFIs reported to have benefitted from disposing their Manila Electric Co. shares then were the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank.
The report, however, withheld the identities of other personalities also being linked to the Meralco-deal inquiry, but added that coincidentally, they are known to be backing Binay or Poe. source
by Butch Fernandez - September 30, 2015
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday played down fears in the markets it had anything to do with an ongoing Ombudsman inquiry into a supposed “sweetheart deal” involving the government financial institutions’ (GFIs) 2009 sale of Meralco shares to businesses coincidentally seen as supporters and potential donors of the two closest rivals of administration standard bearer Manuel R. Roxas in the 2016 elections.
“The Ombudsman is an independent office that guards its mandate of independence fiercely,” said Secretary Edwin Lacierda, President Aquino’s chief spokesman.
The Palace official was reacting to reports that the Ombudsman’s investigation of the six-year-old transaction may be intended to scare businesses said to be identified with groups inclined to support 2016 presidential derby front-runner Sen. Grace Poe or Vice President Jejomar Binay instead of Roxas, President Aquino’s “anointed” candidate to succeed him.
Earlier reports said the investigation of a deal done six years ago had raised eyebrows since the GFIs even reaped a substantial windfall when Meralco shares then trading at P60 were sold at P90.
Asked if the Palace will look into the matter, Lacierda indicated the Office of the President is taking a hands-off stance, assuring it will respect the Ombudsman’s independence.
“Who, how and what the Ombudsman decides to investigate is entirely their decision,” Lacierda added.
The Ombudsman itself had earlier confirmed the ongoing probe of an alleged sweetheart deal involving the Social Security System’s approval of a block sale of Meralco shares to a company identified with businessman Roberto Ongpin, even if the sale was reported to have “made a significant premium.”
The GFIs involved in the deal, including the Government Service Insurance System, was also said to have reaped P17 billion in windfall profit.
Other GFIs reported to have benefitted from disposing their Manila Electric Co. shares then were the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank.
The report, however, withheld the identities of other personalities also being linked to the Meralco-deal inquiry, but added that coincidentally, they are known to be backing Binay or Poe. source
AboitizPower pursues new Indonesian project
By Danessa O. Rivera (The Philippine Star) | Updated September 30, 2015 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - Aboitiz Power Corp. is pursuing another renewable energy power project in Indonesia with the development of a 127-megawatt (MW) hydropower facility.
AboitizPower disclosed yesterday it entered into an agreement with SN Power AS and PT Energi Infranusantara for feasibility studies for the exploration and development of a 127-MW hydropower generation project along the Lariang River in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
The three companies will invest in the project vehicle PT Auriga Energi, which was awarded the basic license to develop the resource.
AboitizPower president and COO Antonio Moraza said in a text message the firm will be taking “between 30 and 40 percent” interest in the joint venture.
Currently, PT Auriga is conducting pre-feasibility studies on the hydropower resource.
Established in 2012, PT Energi Infranusantara is a special purpose vehicle of Indonesian infrastructure giant PT Nusantara Infrastructure Tbk to develop renewable energy projects.
On the other hand, Norway-based SN Power, which is jointly owned by hydropower developer Statkraft and risk capital investor Norfund, invests in hydropower projects in emerging markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
In 2007, the Norwegian power firm partnered with AboitizPower for the purchase of the Ambuklao-Binga hydroelectric power plants through a competitive bidding, which it bagged for $325 million.
The hydropower project is AboitizPower’s second investment in Indonesia.
Last week, the company announced its wholly-owned Singapore-based subsidiary AboitizPower International Pte. Ltd. partnered with PT Medco Power Indonesia to develop a potential 2x55-MW greenfield geothermal plant in East Java province. It will take in 49 percent in the project company PT Medco Cahaya.
The Aboitiz Group first bared plans to expand its power business overseas, particularly in Southeast Asia, last year.
At home, AboitizPower continues to expand its Cleanergy brand portfolio of power projects as its looks for more potential areas across the country, mainly through geothermal, hydro and solar power sources. source
MANILA, Philippines - Aboitiz Power Corp. is pursuing another renewable energy power project in Indonesia with the development of a 127-megawatt (MW) hydropower facility.
AboitizPower disclosed yesterday it entered into an agreement with SN Power AS and PT Energi Infranusantara for feasibility studies for the exploration and development of a 127-MW hydropower generation project along the Lariang River in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
The three companies will invest in the project vehicle PT Auriga Energi, which was awarded the basic license to develop the resource.
AboitizPower president and COO Antonio Moraza said in a text message the firm will be taking “between 30 and 40 percent” interest in the joint venture.
Currently, PT Auriga is conducting pre-feasibility studies on the hydropower resource.
Established in 2012, PT Energi Infranusantara is a special purpose vehicle of Indonesian infrastructure giant PT Nusantara Infrastructure Tbk to develop renewable energy projects.
On the other hand, Norway-based SN Power, which is jointly owned by hydropower developer Statkraft and risk capital investor Norfund, invests in hydropower projects in emerging markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
In 2007, the Norwegian power firm partnered with AboitizPower for the purchase of the Ambuklao-Binga hydroelectric power plants through a competitive bidding, which it bagged for $325 million.
The hydropower project is AboitizPower’s second investment in Indonesia.
Last week, the company announced its wholly-owned Singapore-based subsidiary AboitizPower International Pte. Ltd. partnered with PT Medco Power Indonesia to develop a potential 2x55-MW greenfield geothermal plant in East Java province. It will take in 49 percent in the project company PT Medco Cahaya.
The Aboitiz Group first bared plans to expand its power business overseas, particularly in Southeast Asia, last year.
At home, AboitizPower continues to expand its Cleanergy brand portfolio of power projects as its looks for more potential areas across the country, mainly through geothermal, hydro and solar power sources. source
SMC unit eyes 1,000-MW pumped hydro in Benguet
By Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) | Updated September 30, 2015 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - A unit of SMC Global Power Corp. is eyeing to build two pumped-storage hydropower projects with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW) in Benguet.
Strategic Power Development Corp. of the San Miguel Group is looking to build the 600-MW San Roque Upper East and 400-MW San Roque Upper West pumped-storage hydropower plants in Itogon, Benguet, data from the Department of Energy (DOE) showed.
The DOE has issued on July 7 a clearance for grid impact studies for both projects.
In its latest data, the DOE noted Strategic Power has ongoing studies and permitting for its hydropower facilities.
Apart from the Benguet project, Strategic Power is working on a 200-MW pumped-storage hydropower plant in Aklan.
The San Miguel subsidiary is also modernizing the capacity of the 345-MW San Roque multipurpose hydroelectric power plant in San Manuel, Pangasinan.
It currently trades the capacity of the San Roque plant after San Miguel Corp. won the right to manage the supply contract in 2009 with a $450 million bid.
In 2013, San Miguel partnered with Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water) for the operation of the 218-MW Angat hydropower plant in Bulacan.These projects form part of the San Miguel Group’s goal to build a portfolio of 3,000 MW of hydropower projects. source
MANILA, Philippines - A unit of SMC Global Power Corp. is eyeing to build two pumped-storage hydropower projects with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW) in Benguet.
Strategic Power Development Corp. of the San Miguel Group is looking to build the 600-MW San Roque Upper East and 400-MW San Roque Upper West pumped-storage hydropower plants in Itogon, Benguet, data from the Department of Energy (DOE) showed.
The DOE has issued on July 7 a clearance for grid impact studies for both projects.
In its latest data, the DOE noted Strategic Power has ongoing studies and permitting for its hydropower facilities.
Apart from the Benguet project, Strategic Power is working on a 200-MW pumped-storage hydropower plant in Aklan.
The San Miguel subsidiary is also modernizing the capacity of the 345-MW San Roque multipurpose hydroelectric power plant in San Manuel, Pangasinan.
It currently trades the capacity of the San Roque plant after San Miguel Corp. won the right to manage the supply contract in 2009 with a $450 million bid.
In 2013, San Miguel partnered with Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water) for the operation of the 218-MW Angat hydropower plant in Bulacan.These projects form part of the San Miguel Group’s goal to build a portfolio of 3,000 MW of hydropower projects. source
GBPC mulls first Luzon power project
By Danessa O. Rivera (The Philippine Star) | Updated September 30, 2015 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC), the power generation company of banking tycoon George Ty, is preparing to expand outside Visayas with its first power venture in Luzon in 2016.
GBPC executive vice president Jaime Azurin said the company is keen on expanding in Luzon.
A coal-fired power plant with capacity of at least 600 megawatts (MW) is being eyed, which could happen “next year,” he said.
“We’re looking at Luzon. We’re looking at coal but it has to be bigger in size to be able to lower the cost,” Azurin said.
The company official, however, declined to identify the possible location of the power project “because a lot of people are looking for a safe spot.”
But Azurin noted GBPC will be working with power distribution giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for the Luzon project.
In October 2013, Meralco PowerGen Corp., a subsidiary of Meralco, bought a 20-percent stake in GBPC from First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) for P7.5 billion.
The entry of Meralco in the Ty power unit “opens a lot of doors” for expansion, particularly in Luzon, said Carmelo Maria Luz Bautista, president of GBPC’s parent firm GT capital.
MGen bought an additional two percent from FMIC in May 2014, raising its interest to 22 percent. Meralco chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan had said MGen could raise its stake up to 50 percent “if the opportunity arises.”
Apart from MGen, shareholders of GBPC include Ty-led conglomerate GT Capital Holdings Inc. with 50.89 percent; Orix Corp.of Japan with 20 percent; and FMIC with 7.11 percent.
GBPC is one of the largest independent power producers in the Visayas region, with a total capacity of 627 MW from its nine power plants.
Last year, GBPC laid down a $1-billion investment plan to increase its installed capacity to 1,000 MW by 2018.
Apart from the Luzon project, company officials said the firm is looking at a 164-MW plant with MGen in Mindanao.
It is also working on the 150-MW expansion of the coal-fired power plant owned by subsidiary Panay Energy Development Corp., targeted for completion in July 2016. source
MANILA, Philippines - Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC), the power generation company of banking tycoon George Ty, is preparing to expand outside Visayas with its first power venture in Luzon in 2016.
GBPC executive vice president Jaime Azurin said the company is keen on expanding in Luzon.
A coal-fired power plant with capacity of at least 600 megawatts (MW) is being eyed, which could happen “next year,” he said.
“We’re looking at Luzon. We’re looking at coal but it has to be bigger in size to be able to lower the cost,” Azurin said.
The company official, however, declined to identify the possible location of the power project “because a lot of people are looking for a safe spot.”
But Azurin noted GBPC will be working with power distribution giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for the Luzon project.
In October 2013, Meralco PowerGen Corp., a subsidiary of Meralco, bought a 20-percent stake in GBPC from First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) for P7.5 billion.
The entry of Meralco in the Ty power unit “opens a lot of doors” for expansion, particularly in Luzon, said Carmelo Maria Luz Bautista, president of GBPC’s parent firm GT capital.
MGen bought an additional two percent from FMIC in May 2014, raising its interest to 22 percent. Meralco chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan had said MGen could raise its stake up to 50 percent “if the opportunity arises.”
Apart from MGen, shareholders of GBPC include Ty-led conglomerate GT Capital Holdings Inc. with 50.89 percent; Orix Corp.of Japan with 20 percent; and FMIC with 7.11 percent.
GBPC is one of the largest independent power producers in the Visayas region, with a total capacity of 627 MW from its nine power plants.
Last year, GBPC laid down a $1-billion investment plan to increase its installed capacity to 1,000 MW by 2018.
Apart from the Luzon project, company officials said the firm is looking at a 164-MW plant with MGen in Mindanao.
It is also working on the 150-MW expansion of the coal-fired power plant owned by subsidiary Panay Energy Development Corp., targeted for completion in July 2016. source
Datem eyes expansion into renewable energy
By Iris C. Gonzales (The Philippine Star) | Updated September 29, 2015 - 12:00am
Datem president Levy Espiritu. STAR/File photo
MANILA, Philippines - Local construction firm Datem Inc. is looking to invest in renewable energy as it embarks on further diversification to support long-term growth, a top official said.
In an interview, Datem president Levy Espiritu said the company is studying the feasibility of getting into the power sector as part of its overall plan to expand in other industries other than its core business of construction.
“We’re looking at what is needed for the country, like power. We’re looking at a mix of power sources but it will be renewable, basically to address environmental issues. We’re preparing studies right now to prepare us for that eventually,” Espiritu said.
He said Datem is considering investing in both base-load and and peaking plants.
“Right now, base-load plants already have existing contracts. So peaking plants are better, but after these base-load contracts expire, we can go into base-load,” Espiritu said.
Initial preference are hydropower, solar and biomass plants, he added.
Datem, with its core business in construction, expanded in related industries such as housing and bulk water treatment through subsidiaries Datem Homes and Datem Water starting 2013.
The water subsidiary is gearing up for expansion in Southeast Asia, establishing its first foreign venture in Vietnam and is eyeing other booming countries in the region such as Myanmar and Cambodia.
The company considers expanding in Southeast Asia as strategic given the ongoing integration of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
To fund these planned expansion projects, Datem is gearing up for a P4.6-billion initial public offering (IPO) in mid-November.
Last month, Datem formally filed with the Securities and Exchange (SEC) an application to list 329,046,263 shares at an offer price of up to P14.15 per share.
The offer consists of up to 286,127,185 firm shares and 42,919,078 optional shares pursuant to an over-allotment option, according to the company’s application.
To date, the company has partnered with top property developers for 24 ongoing projects.
These include Alphaland Makati Place, composed of three residential and office towers; Arthaland’s two-tower Arya Residences; De La Salle University’s new Rufino Campus; Federal Land Inc.’s 47-story Grand Hyatt tower; Megaworld’s One Uptown tower, Two Central residential building and Venice Grand Canal Mall and Global Estate Resort’s Savoy Hotel in Boracay.
Its completed projects include Discovery Primea, a luxury residential tower in Makati; Discovery Shores in Boracay and the Mind Museum, the Philippines’ first world-class science museum and a LEED Gold-certified building for design and construction.
For its water subsidiary Datem Water Inc., it has a 15-year bulk water supply contract with Metro Kalibo Water District and is looking at other provinces to expand. source
Datem president Levy Espiritu. STAR/File photo
MANILA, Philippines - Local construction firm Datem Inc. is looking to invest in renewable energy as it embarks on further diversification to support long-term growth, a top official said.
In an interview, Datem president Levy Espiritu said the company is studying the feasibility of getting into the power sector as part of its overall plan to expand in other industries other than its core business of construction.
“We’re looking at what is needed for the country, like power. We’re looking at a mix of power sources but it will be renewable, basically to address environmental issues. We’re preparing studies right now to prepare us for that eventually,” Espiritu said.
He said Datem is considering investing in both base-load and and peaking plants.
“Right now, base-load plants already have existing contracts. So peaking plants are better, but after these base-load contracts expire, we can go into base-load,” Espiritu said.
Initial preference are hydropower, solar and biomass plants, he added.
Datem, with its core business in construction, expanded in related industries such as housing and bulk water treatment through subsidiaries Datem Homes and Datem Water starting 2013.
The water subsidiary is gearing up for expansion in Southeast Asia, establishing its first foreign venture in Vietnam and is eyeing other booming countries in the region such as Myanmar and Cambodia.
The company considers expanding in Southeast Asia as strategic given the ongoing integration of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
To fund these planned expansion projects, Datem is gearing up for a P4.6-billion initial public offering (IPO) in mid-November.
Last month, Datem formally filed with the Securities and Exchange (SEC) an application to list 329,046,263 shares at an offer price of up to P14.15 per share.
The offer consists of up to 286,127,185 firm shares and 42,919,078 optional shares pursuant to an over-allotment option, according to the company’s application.
To date, the company has partnered with top property developers for 24 ongoing projects.
These include Alphaland Makati Place, composed of three residential and office towers; Arthaland’s two-tower Arya Residences; De La Salle University’s new Rufino Campus; Federal Land Inc.’s 47-story Grand Hyatt tower; Megaworld’s One Uptown tower, Two Central residential building and Venice Grand Canal Mall and Global Estate Resort’s Savoy Hotel in Boracay.
Its completed projects include Discovery Primea, a luxury residential tower in Makati; Discovery Shores in Boracay and the Mind Museum, the Philippines’ first world-class science museum and a LEED Gold-certified building for design and construction.
For its water subsidiary Datem Water Inc., it has a 15-year bulk water supply contract with Metro Kalibo Water District and is looking at other provinces to expand. source
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
GBPC eyes to build coal-fired plant to augment power supply in Luzon
Business Mirror
by Lenie Lectura - September 29, 2015
Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC) of the Metrobank Group has revealed plans to put up a coal-fired power plant in Luzon next year, a company official said.
“Yes, we’re looking at Luzon,” said GBPC Executive Vice President Jaime Azurin when asked it the power firm is expanding outside the Visayas.
“But it has to be bigger in size to be able to lower the cost,” the official said, referring to the capacity size of the planned power facility. He did not provide other details. “I cannot tell you because a lot of people are looking for a safe spot.”
He added, “A lot has been said on Luzon but nobody has started. The lowest price you have is a Chinese technology, which, unfortunately, is not doing good. How do you now convince the biggest buyer at the price competitive as the Chinese but with a better technology? The more sophisticated technology, the safer but a little more costlier.”
The output of the planned power facility will be disposed of via bilateral agreements with off-takers, probably the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
Meralco, through its power-development arm, already has a 20-percent stake in GBPC, the largest independent power producer in the Visayas. It was sold for P7.15 billion.
The utility firm is interested to acquire another 2-percent stake in GBPC. “Yes. We’re working on 22 percent of Meralco,” Azurin said.
Initially, the plan is to put up a reliable and cost-effective power facility in Luzon.
“If it’s the least cost, I don’t know how reliable it will be. We may have the least cost, but it’s not reliable. Reliability has a cost also. How can you force a big user like Meralco that you have to buy this technology. We’re all trying to find ways on how to compete,” Azurin added.
GBPC is a member of the GT Capital Group of Companies, of which Metrobank is the leading company.
It owns a 92-megawatt (MW) diesel-fired power plant in La Paz and is being operated by Panay Power Corp. Other power plants of GBPC are in Cebu, Aklan and Oriental Mindoro.
The company is also on track with the construction and commercial operation of its two power projects in Panay Island and Negros Occidental.
GBPC’s subsidiary, Panay Energy Development Corp., is adding 150 MW of additional power-generation capacity in the Visayas next year.
“We have 150 MW that’s being constructed in Iloilo City. That’s on schedule, it will be completed by June of 2016,” Azurin said.
Another power project in the pipeline is the 40-MW biomass power plant in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental. The biomass power plant will be within the premises of Roxas Holdings Inc.’s Central Azucarera de la Carlota. It is targeted for completion by 2017. source
by Lenie Lectura - September 29, 2015
Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC) of the Metrobank Group has revealed plans to put up a coal-fired power plant in Luzon next year, a company official said.
“Yes, we’re looking at Luzon,” said GBPC Executive Vice President Jaime Azurin when asked it the power firm is expanding outside the Visayas.
“But it has to be bigger in size to be able to lower the cost,” the official said, referring to the capacity size of the planned power facility. He did not provide other details. “I cannot tell you because a lot of people are looking for a safe spot.”
He added, “A lot has been said on Luzon but nobody has started. The lowest price you have is a Chinese technology, which, unfortunately, is not doing good. How do you now convince the biggest buyer at the price competitive as the Chinese but with a better technology? The more sophisticated technology, the safer but a little more costlier.”
The output of the planned power facility will be disposed of via bilateral agreements with off-takers, probably the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
Meralco, through its power-development arm, already has a 20-percent stake in GBPC, the largest independent power producer in the Visayas. It was sold for P7.15 billion.
The utility firm is interested to acquire another 2-percent stake in GBPC. “Yes. We’re working on 22 percent of Meralco,” Azurin said.
Initially, the plan is to put up a reliable and cost-effective power facility in Luzon.
“If it’s the least cost, I don’t know how reliable it will be. We may have the least cost, but it’s not reliable. Reliability has a cost also. How can you force a big user like Meralco that you have to buy this technology. We’re all trying to find ways on how to compete,” Azurin added.
GBPC is a member of the GT Capital Group of Companies, of which Metrobank is the leading company.
It owns a 92-megawatt (MW) diesel-fired power plant in La Paz and is being operated by Panay Power Corp. Other power plants of GBPC are in Cebu, Aklan and Oriental Mindoro.
The company is also on track with the construction and commercial operation of its two power projects in Panay Island and Negros Occidental.
GBPC’s subsidiary, Panay Energy Development Corp., is adding 150 MW of additional power-generation capacity in the Visayas next year.
“We have 150 MW that’s being constructed in Iloilo City. That’s on schedule, it will be completed by June of 2016,” Azurin said.
Another power project in the pipeline is the 40-MW biomass power plant in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental. The biomass power plant will be within the premises of Roxas Holdings Inc.’s Central Azucarera de la Carlota. It is targeted for completion by 2017. source
AboitizPower eyes hydropower venture in Indonesia
Business World Online
Posted on September 29, 2015 10:29:00 PM
By Claire-Ann M. C. Feliciano, Senior Reporter
ABOITIZ Power Corp. (AboitizPower) has gained further traction overseas as it embarks on another partnership that would allow the company to participate in the development of a hydropower project in Indonesia.
This came more than a week after AboitizPower marked it maiden international venture through the acquisition of a participating stake in a geothermal project in the same Southeast Asian country.
In a disclosure yesterday, the listed power firm of the Aboitiz family said it “entered into an agreement with SN Power AS and PT Energi Infranusantara.”
The deal involves AboitizPower’s participation “in the feasibility studies for the exploration and development of a potential 127MW hydropower generation project along the Lariang River in Central Sulawesi.”
The project will be undertaken by PT Auriga Energi, which holds the license to develop the project.
The project company, AboitizPower said, is currently conducting pre-feasibility studies for the hydropower venture.
Antonio R. Moraza, AboitizPower president and chief operating officer, said in a text message that investment for the project will be determined upon completion of the feasibility studies.
“This is preliminary work, which can take several years before construction when the large expenditure actually happens,” Mr. Moraza said.
“Gestation for large hydro (projects) can be about eight years,” he added.
This venture serves as the company’s second project outside the Philippines, the first one being a potential geothermal project also in Indonesia.
AboitizPower’s wholly owned AboitizPower International Pte. Ltd. last Sept. 18 entered into an agreement with PT Medco Power Indonesia to participate in the exploration and development of a potential 100-MW greenfield geothermal plant in East Java.
The project will be undertaken through PT Medco Cahaya Geothermal, which is a subsidiary of PT Medco Power Indonesia.
Mr. Moraza said then that AboitizPower will take in a 49% interest in the project, which is currently in the exploratory stage.
AboitizPower -- which is one of three power generators in the Philippines -- has been exploring expansion opportunities in Southeast Asia.
“We’re basically looking at Indonesia as an opportunity. We’ve seen people and we’ve introduced ourselves but there’s nothing firm yet,” AboitizPower Chief Executive Officer Erramon I. Aboitiz said earlier.
Aside from Indonesia, officials then said Myanmar, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea are also within the company’s radar.
AboitizPower currently has an attributable power portfolio totaling about 2,300 MW -- involving coal, geothermal, hydropower and oil-based facilities.
The firm committed to have a portfolio of around 4,000 MW in the next five years as it continues to explore expansion opportunities locally and overseas.
AboitizPower is the power arm of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. -- the listed holding firm of Aboitiz-owned businesses, which also include real estate, food and banking. source
Posted on September 29, 2015 10:29:00 PM
By Claire-Ann M. C. Feliciano, Senior Reporter
ABOITIZ Power Corp. (AboitizPower) has gained further traction overseas as it embarks on another partnership that would allow the company to participate in the development of a hydropower project in Indonesia.
This came more than a week after AboitizPower marked it maiden international venture through the acquisition of a participating stake in a geothermal project in the same Southeast Asian country.
In a disclosure yesterday, the listed power firm of the Aboitiz family said it “entered into an agreement with SN Power AS and PT Energi Infranusantara.”
The deal involves AboitizPower’s participation “in the feasibility studies for the exploration and development of a potential 127MW hydropower generation project along the Lariang River in Central Sulawesi.”
The project will be undertaken by PT Auriga Energi, which holds the license to develop the project.
The project company, AboitizPower said, is currently conducting pre-feasibility studies for the hydropower venture.
Antonio R. Moraza, AboitizPower president and chief operating officer, said in a text message that investment for the project will be determined upon completion of the feasibility studies.
“This is preliminary work, which can take several years before construction when the large expenditure actually happens,” Mr. Moraza said.
“Gestation for large hydro (projects) can be about eight years,” he added.
This venture serves as the company’s second project outside the Philippines, the first one being a potential geothermal project also in Indonesia.
AboitizPower’s wholly owned AboitizPower International Pte. Ltd. last Sept. 18 entered into an agreement with PT Medco Power Indonesia to participate in the exploration and development of a potential 100-MW greenfield geothermal plant in East Java.
The project will be undertaken through PT Medco Cahaya Geothermal, which is a subsidiary of PT Medco Power Indonesia.
Mr. Moraza said then that AboitizPower will take in a 49% interest in the project, which is currently in the exploratory stage.
AboitizPower -- which is one of three power generators in the Philippines -- has been exploring expansion opportunities in Southeast Asia.
“We’re basically looking at Indonesia as an opportunity. We’ve seen people and we’ve introduced ourselves but there’s nothing firm yet,” AboitizPower Chief Executive Officer Erramon I. Aboitiz said earlier.
Aside from Indonesia, officials then said Myanmar, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea are also within the company’s radar.
AboitizPower currently has an attributable power portfolio totaling about 2,300 MW -- involving coal, geothermal, hydropower and oil-based facilities.
The firm committed to have a portfolio of around 4,000 MW in the next five years as it continues to explore expansion opportunities locally and overseas.
AboitizPower is the power arm of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. -- the listed holding firm of Aboitiz-owned businesses, which also include real estate, food and banking. source
SMC power unit wins injunction vs PSALM
Business World Online
Posted on September 29, 2015 09:39:00 PM
A REGIONAL Trial Court has barred the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) from terminating its contract with a unit of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) over a dispute on generation payments for the 1,200-megawatt (MW) Ilijan cogeneration facility in Batangas.
The listed conglomerate told the stock exchange yesterday that “the Regional Trial Court of Mandaluyong City, Branch 208, issued on Sept. 28... an order granting preliminary injunction in favor of SPPC.
SPPC or South Premiere Power Corp. is a wholly owned of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., which in turn is the energy arm of San Miguel.
The order granted by the court stopped state-owned PSALM “from further proceeding with the termination of the independent power producer administration (IPPA) agreement between SPPC and PSALM while the main case is pending.”
San Miguel further said next hearing on the main case is scheduled for Oct. 22.
The dispute between the two parties stemmed from PSALM’s decision to terminate its contract with SPPC citing the latter’s “continuous refusal” to pay fees worth over P6 billion.
The termination of the contract, however, was put on hold after the same regional court’s initial issuance of a temporary restraining order that stopped PSALM from exercising its authority to end the deal.
Ramon S. Ang, SMC Global chairman, last month claimed that PSALM’s financial claims were “erroneous” and its decision to terminate the contract was “abrupt.”
He added SMC Global will sue PSALM management -- which is currently headed by recently appointed President Lourdes S. Alzona -- due to “intentional breach of contract.”
The official, however, said that SMC Global has yet to come up with the filing and a decision on which court the filing will be made.
PSALM said earlier that the decision to terminate its contract with PSALM is geared at stopping the government from incurring “unnecessary losses” due to non-payment of SPPC’s obligations worth P6.46 billion covering Dec. 26, 2012 to April 25, 2015.
But Mr. Ang said SMC Global already paid P180 billion to PSALM -- consistent with the contract -- but PSALM wanted over P6 billion more.
The P180 billion payment covers fixed monthly payments and variable generation payments billed by PSALM since SPPC took over the contracted capacity of the Ilijan plant in 2010 until August 2015.
He added that the administration agreement with PSALM provides that the regulator-approved rate should be used instead of the rates at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.
SMC Global Power is a wholly owned subsidiary of listed conglomerate San Miguel Corp.
San Miguel bagged the Ilijan IPPA contract when it was auctioned off by PSALM on April 16, 2010. source
Posted on September 29, 2015 09:39:00 PM
A REGIONAL Trial Court has barred the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) from terminating its contract with a unit of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) over a dispute on generation payments for the 1,200-megawatt (MW) Ilijan cogeneration facility in Batangas.
The listed conglomerate told the stock exchange yesterday that “the Regional Trial Court of Mandaluyong City, Branch 208, issued on Sept. 28... an order granting preliminary injunction in favor of SPPC.
SPPC or South Premiere Power Corp. is a wholly owned of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., which in turn is the energy arm of San Miguel.
The order granted by the court stopped state-owned PSALM “from further proceeding with the termination of the independent power producer administration (IPPA) agreement between SPPC and PSALM while the main case is pending.”
San Miguel further said next hearing on the main case is scheduled for Oct. 22.
The dispute between the two parties stemmed from PSALM’s decision to terminate its contract with SPPC citing the latter’s “continuous refusal” to pay fees worth over P6 billion.
The termination of the contract, however, was put on hold after the same regional court’s initial issuance of a temporary restraining order that stopped PSALM from exercising its authority to end the deal.
Ramon S. Ang, SMC Global chairman, last month claimed that PSALM’s financial claims were “erroneous” and its decision to terminate the contract was “abrupt.”
He added SMC Global will sue PSALM management -- which is currently headed by recently appointed President Lourdes S. Alzona -- due to “intentional breach of contract.”
The official, however, said that SMC Global has yet to come up with the filing and a decision on which court the filing will be made.
PSALM said earlier that the decision to terminate its contract with PSALM is geared at stopping the government from incurring “unnecessary losses” due to non-payment of SPPC’s obligations worth P6.46 billion covering Dec. 26, 2012 to April 25, 2015.
But Mr. Ang said SMC Global already paid P180 billion to PSALM -- consistent with the contract -- but PSALM wanted over P6 billion more.
The P180 billion payment covers fixed monthly payments and variable generation payments billed by PSALM since SPPC took over the contracted capacity of the Ilijan plant in 2010 until August 2015.
He added that the administration agreement with PSALM provides that the regulator-approved rate should be used instead of the rates at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.
SMC Global Power is a wholly owned subsidiary of listed conglomerate San Miguel Corp.
San Miguel bagged the Ilijan IPPA contract when it was auctioned off by PSALM on April 16, 2010. source
AboitizPower eyes project in Indonesia
Business Mirror
by Lenie Lectura - September 29, 2015
ABOITIZPower Corp. will participate in the conduct of feasibility studies for a potential hydro-power project in Indonesia.
It told the stock exchange on Tuesday it entered into an agreement with SN Power AS and PT Energi Infranusantara to participate in the feasibility studies for the exploration and development of a potential 127-megawatt (MW) hydro-power generation project along the Lariang River in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
PT Ayriga Energi, the project company, was awarded the basic license to develop the project and is currently conducting pre-feasibility studies.
Aside from coal, the power firm has been vocal in saying that it wants to venture into hydro and geothermal sources of energy.
Last week the company said its wholly owned Singapore-based subsidiary AboitizPower International Pte. Ltd., entered into an agreement with PT Medco Power Indonesia to participate in the exploration and development of a potential 2×55-MW greenfield geothermal plant in East Java Province, Indonesia.
PT Medco Cahaya Geothermal, the project company, as the subsidiary of PT Medco Power Indonesia was awarded the concession to develop the project and is currently in the resource validation and exploration stage.
AboitizPower CEO Erramon Aboitiz earlier said the power firm is looking at opportunities abroad, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
“We’re willing to look at opportunities abroad. We’re looking at Papua New Guinea and opportunities in Indonesia. We’re still firming this up,” he said earlier.
AboitizPower is also keen on more renewable projects and hopes to add solar energy to its portfolio to supplement its hydroelectric and geothermal projects.
Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI) earlier signed a deal with SunEdison Philippines
Helios BV (SunEdison) to formalize their partnership via a joint venture company, Maaraw Holdings, which is 60-percent owned by ARI.
Maaraw Holdings will undertake the acquisition, development and exploration of the 59-MW solar photovoltaic power generation project in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
In November last year Aboitiz said ARI and SunEdison will develop up to 300 MW of solar energy in the country over the next three years.
AboitzPower targets to put up 2,000 MW of additional power capacity in the next five years. It has programmed P125 billion to achieve this target. source
by Lenie Lectura - September 29, 2015
ABOITIZPower Corp. will participate in the conduct of feasibility studies for a potential hydro-power project in Indonesia.
It told the stock exchange on Tuesday it entered into an agreement with SN Power AS and PT Energi Infranusantara to participate in the feasibility studies for the exploration and development of a potential 127-megawatt (MW) hydro-power generation project along the Lariang River in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
PT Ayriga Energi, the project company, was awarded the basic license to develop the project and is currently conducting pre-feasibility studies.
Aside from coal, the power firm has been vocal in saying that it wants to venture into hydro and geothermal sources of energy.
Last week the company said its wholly owned Singapore-based subsidiary AboitizPower International Pte. Ltd., entered into an agreement with PT Medco Power Indonesia to participate in the exploration and development of a potential 2×55-MW greenfield geothermal plant in East Java Province, Indonesia.
PT Medco Cahaya Geothermal, the project company, as the subsidiary of PT Medco Power Indonesia was awarded the concession to develop the project and is currently in the resource validation and exploration stage.
AboitizPower CEO Erramon Aboitiz earlier said the power firm is looking at opportunities abroad, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
“We’re willing to look at opportunities abroad. We’re looking at Papua New Guinea and opportunities in Indonesia. We’re still firming this up,” he said earlier.
AboitizPower is also keen on more renewable projects and hopes to add solar energy to its portfolio to supplement its hydroelectric and geothermal projects.
Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI) earlier signed a deal with SunEdison Philippines
Helios BV (SunEdison) to formalize their partnership via a joint venture company, Maaraw Holdings, which is 60-percent owned by ARI.
Maaraw Holdings will undertake the acquisition, development and exploration of the 59-MW solar photovoltaic power generation project in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
In November last year Aboitiz said ARI and SunEdison will develop up to 300 MW of solar energy in the country over the next three years.
AboitzPower targets to put up 2,000 MW of additional power capacity in the next five years. It has programmed P125 billion to achieve this target. source
Monday, September 28, 2015
SMC plans more hydro projects
Manila Standard Today
By Alena Mae S. Flores | Sep. 28, 2015 at 11:45pm
Strategic Power Development Corp., a unit controlled by conglomerate San Miguel Corp., plans to put up more pumped storage hydro power projects with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts in Luzon.
The company received approval from the Energy Department to conduct a grid impact study for the planned pump storage projects in Itogon, Benguet province.
The projects include the San Roque Upper East Pumped Storage hydropower with a capacity of 600 MW and the 400-MW San Roque Upper West Pumped Storage hydro power.
Strategic Power also received approval to conduct a grid impact study for the San Roque Optimization Hydropower project in San Manuel, Pangasinan that will add another 400 MW of capacity.
The impact study to be conducted with National Grid Corp. of the Philippines will determine the capability of the grid to absorb the additional power capacities.
Records from the Energy Department earlier showed that Strategic Power, the independent power producer administrator of the 345-MW San Roque hydro project in San Manuel, Pangasinan, was conducting “ongoing study and permitting” for the 400-MW San Roque West Pump Storage hydro project.
Strategic Power trades the electricity output of the San Roque hydro facility, while San Roque Power Corp., the joint venture of Marubeni Corp. and Kansai Electric Power Co. Ltd., operates the plant.
The San Roque hydro plant, designed as a build-operate-transfer project, holds a 25-year power purchase agreement with National Power Corp.
San Miguel won the right to manage the supply contract of the San Roque plant in 2009 with a $450-million bid. The company has been expanding its portfolio of hydro power projects.
San Miguel holds a 60-percent stake in the 218 MW Angat hydro power plant in Bulacan.
San Miguel, through Strategic Power, plans to establish a 200-MW pumped storage hydro project in Aklan. It is also pursuing a 500-MW pumped storage hydro power project in Aurora province. Strategic Power has sought the approval of the Energy Department for the 500-MW Dingalan pumped storage hydro plant in Dingalan, Aurora.
The project is a part of the company’s plan to develop up to 3,000 MW of hydro power projects in the country, a source said.
San Miguel is currently building coal power projects in Bataan and Mindanao which are in various stages of development. It plans to build coal plants in Cebu and Panay.
The Energy Department approved last year the application of Strategic Power for a 200-MW pumped storage hydro project in Aklan.
The hydro service contract was signed on Jan. 30, 2014. “It’s now in pre-development stage of the hydro service contract,” a source said earlier. source
By Alena Mae S. Flores | Sep. 28, 2015 at 11:45pm
Strategic Power Development Corp., a unit controlled by conglomerate San Miguel Corp., plans to put up more pumped storage hydro power projects with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts in Luzon.
The company received approval from the Energy Department to conduct a grid impact study for the planned pump storage projects in Itogon, Benguet province.
The projects include the San Roque Upper East Pumped Storage hydropower with a capacity of 600 MW and the 400-MW San Roque Upper West Pumped Storage hydro power.
Strategic Power also received approval to conduct a grid impact study for the San Roque Optimization Hydropower project in San Manuel, Pangasinan that will add another 400 MW of capacity.
The impact study to be conducted with National Grid Corp. of the Philippines will determine the capability of the grid to absorb the additional power capacities.
Records from the Energy Department earlier showed that Strategic Power, the independent power producer administrator of the 345-MW San Roque hydro project in San Manuel, Pangasinan, was conducting “ongoing study and permitting” for the 400-MW San Roque West Pump Storage hydro project.
Strategic Power trades the electricity output of the San Roque hydro facility, while San Roque Power Corp., the joint venture of Marubeni Corp. and Kansai Electric Power Co. Ltd., operates the plant.
The San Roque hydro plant, designed as a build-operate-transfer project, holds a 25-year power purchase agreement with National Power Corp.
San Miguel won the right to manage the supply contract of the San Roque plant in 2009 with a $450-million bid. The company has been expanding its portfolio of hydro power projects.
San Miguel holds a 60-percent stake in the 218 MW Angat hydro power plant in Bulacan.
San Miguel, through Strategic Power, plans to establish a 200-MW pumped storage hydro project in Aklan. It is also pursuing a 500-MW pumped storage hydro power project in Aurora province. Strategic Power has sought the approval of the Energy Department for the 500-MW Dingalan pumped storage hydro plant in Dingalan, Aurora.
The project is a part of the company’s plan to develop up to 3,000 MW of hydro power projects in the country, a source said.
San Miguel is currently building coal power projects in Bataan and Mindanao which are in various stages of development. It plans to build coal plants in Cebu and Panay.
The Energy Department approved last year the application of Strategic Power for a 200-MW pumped storage hydro project in Aklan.
The hydro service contract was signed on Jan. 30, 2014. “It’s now in pre-development stage of the hydro service contract,” a source said earlier. source
Ongpin: Meralco shares sale to Global 5000 a ‘great deal’
Manila Standard Today
By Jenniffer B. Austria | Sep. 28, 2015 at 11:40pm
Businessman and former trade minister Roberto Ongpin said the controversial sale of government shares in Manila Electric Co. was a “great deal” for the government financial institutions.
Ongpin in a statement questioned why he was being singled out among the 20 individuals being investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman over the P9-billion Meralco deal.
“It is patently uncalled for and unfair,” Ongpin said.
Ongpin said the market price of Meralco was P57 when the GFIs sold their stake to Global 5000 in 2009,
Global 5000, however, offered to acquire the shares at P90 apiece, or a 57.8-percent premium over the stock’s current market price.
“Moreover, the cost of acquisition of these shares by the GFIs was less than P20. So they were happy to do this transaction which enabled them quintuple their investment. It was obviously a great deal for the GFIs,” Ongpin said.
He clarified Global 5000 was not “an Ongpin company,” but rather an investment vehicle of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. and five others directors that was formed to acquire the Meralco shares held by the GFIs.
Other Global 5000 directors were Ongpin, businessman Iñigo Zobel, condiments king Joselito Campos Jr.,and two other San Miguel representatives.
“There is nothing irregular about a major acquiring company to use an acquisition vehicle; it is standard practice. As a matter of fact, the ownership of PLDT [Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.] and MPIC [Metro Pacific Investments Corp.] in Meralco, which is now the controlling shareholder group, is held by a similar acquisition company called Beacon,” Ongpin said.
Ongpin said the GFIs did not doubt the financial capability of Global 5000 because they knew it was a San Miguel acquisition vehicle.
“At no time did I beneficially own a single share of Meralco. I was only acting on behalf of San Miguel in being a director of Global 5000 as well as Iñigo Zobel, Joselito Campos Jr. and two other San Miguel nominees,” Ongpin said.
The Office of the Ombudsman last week said it would investigate Ongpin and several of his associates as well as former executives of the GFIs involved in the Meralco deal for anti-graft practices in connection with the block sale of Meralco shares to Global 5000 in 2008 to 2009. source
By Jenniffer B. Austria | Sep. 28, 2015 at 11:40pm
Businessman and former trade minister Roberto Ongpin said the controversial sale of government shares in Manila Electric Co. was a “great deal” for the government financial institutions.
Ongpin in a statement questioned why he was being singled out among the 20 individuals being investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman over the P9-billion Meralco deal.
“It is patently uncalled for and unfair,” Ongpin said.
Ongpin said the market price of Meralco was P57 when the GFIs sold their stake to Global 5000 in 2009,
Global 5000, however, offered to acquire the shares at P90 apiece, or a 57.8-percent premium over the stock’s current market price.
“Moreover, the cost of acquisition of these shares by the GFIs was less than P20. So they were happy to do this transaction which enabled them quintuple their investment. It was obviously a great deal for the GFIs,” Ongpin said.
He clarified Global 5000 was not “an Ongpin company,” but rather an investment vehicle of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. and five others directors that was formed to acquire the Meralco shares held by the GFIs.
Other Global 5000 directors were Ongpin, businessman Iñigo Zobel, condiments king Joselito Campos Jr.,and two other San Miguel representatives.
“There is nothing irregular about a major acquiring company to use an acquisition vehicle; it is standard practice. As a matter of fact, the ownership of PLDT [Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.] and MPIC [Metro Pacific Investments Corp.] in Meralco, which is now the controlling shareholder group, is held by a similar acquisition company called Beacon,” Ongpin said.
Ongpin said the GFIs did not doubt the financial capability of Global 5000 because they knew it was a San Miguel acquisition vehicle.
“At no time did I beneficially own a single share of Meralco. I was only acting on behalf of San Miguel in being a director of Global 5000 as well as Iñigo Zobel, Joselito Campos Jr. and two other San Miguel nominees,” Ongpin said.
The Office of the Ombudsman last week said it would investigate Ongpin and several of his associates as well as former executives of the GFIs involved in the Meralco deal for anti-graft practices in connection with the block sale of Meralco shares to Global 5000 in 2008 to 2009. source
Baguio-Tuba water dispute heats up
Sunstar Baguio
Monday, September 28, 2015
By MARIA ELENA CATAJAN
A BENGUET provincial board member is supporting several villages in Tuba in their fight to prevent the Baguio City government from taking over hydroelectric plants that control the supply of water for both Baguio and Tuba.
Blas Dalus, who heads the board’s committee on indigenous peoples, has declared he is against the move of Baguio City Hall to secure the permit that had been granted by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to the Baguio Water District to run the plants which are located in Tuba.
Dalus said transferring the permit needs a Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) from the communities that will be affected.
Tuba Mayor Florecio Bentrez has asked the water board to reject Baguio’s request.
Baguio wants to manage the plants after the contract between the Baguio Water District and Hedcor, which runs the plants, expired in 2012. Since then the plants have been idle.
Dalus said Baguio needs the consent of Barangays Tadiangan, Nangalisan, Taloy Norte and Poblàcion in Tuba.
Tabuk town officials cited a case pending in the NWRB involving the water permits between the municipality ànd the Baguio Water District.
Dalus also said the consent of the indigenous peoples in the affected areas must be secured. source
Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on September 29, 2015.
Monday, September 28, 2015
By MARIA ELENA CATAJAN
A BENGUET provincial board member is supporting several villages in Tuba in their fight to prevent the Baguio City government from taking over hydroelectric plants that control the supply of water for both Baguio and Tuba.
Blas Dalus, who heads the board’s committee on indigenous peoples, has declared he is against the move of Baguio City Hall to secure the permit that had been granted by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to the Baguio Water District to run the plants which are located in Tuba.
Dalus said transferring the permit needs a Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) from the communities that will be affected.
Tuba Mayor Florecio Bentrez has asked the water board to reject Baguio’s request.
Baguio wants to manage the plants after the contract between the Baguio Water District and Hedcor, which runs the plants, expired in 2012. Since then the plants have been idle.
Dalus said Baguio needs the consent of Barangays Tadiangan, Nangalisan, Taloy Norte and Poblàcion in Tuba.
Tabuk town officials cited a case pending in the NWRB involving the water permits between the municipality ànd the Baguio Water District.
Dalus also said the consent of the indigenous peoples in the affected areas must be secured. source
Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on September 29, 2015.
Energy dep’t still hopes to offer pipeline project in 2015
Business World Online
Posted on September 28, 2015 11:22:00 PM
THE GOVERNMENT still hopes to roll out the P10.528-billion Batangas-Manila (BatMan) Natural Gas Pipeline Project this year despite technical concerns that have delayed it, an Energy official said on Thursday last week.
The BatMan -- which is in the government’s pipeline of public-private partnership (PPP) projects -- was approved by National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) last July.
But prior to the elevation to the NEDA Board headed by President Benigno S.C. Aquino III, the Department of Energy (DoE) raised some concerns that could affect the project. Zenaida Y. Monsada, DoE officer-in-charge, said the concerns -- mostly technical in nature -- have been discussed with Holland-based Rebel Group International BV, the project’s advisor.
“There are certain problematic provisions that have been approved, some of which concern right-of-way,” Ms. Monsada told reporters on the sidelines of a Senate hearing in Pasay City.
“The initial proposal might have conflicts with other expansion programs and road-related activities so we need to present alternative routes.”
Given these concerns, Ms. Monsada said the project will have to revert to the NEDA-ICC, which will meet next month.
“The PNOC will submit recommendations and present the entire pipeline network. So it will not only be one route,” Ms. Monsada said, referring to the Philippine National Oil Co. that is in charge of the BatMan project.
“After that, it will have to pass the NEDA Board. We are still hoping to get that approval so that we can roll out the project before the end of this year,” she added.
“Right now, the target is to award the contract within the current administration.”
The DoE originally targeted to complete the bidding process this year so that project implementation could start next year.
Ms. Monsada admitted that this original timetable can no longer be met, saying it takes time to complete the design and secure permits before the actual construction starts.
But she added that the government is keen on this infrastructure.
“This has been delayed for so long. If we want a balanced energy mix, we have to bring in natural gas to the country and it could not move if we don’t have the necessary infrastructure,” Ms. Monsada explained.
Last July, then Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla had said that more evaluations have to be conducted before the project is offered to investors.
Mr. Petilla had said there were questions on project design and on prospective buyers of the natural gas that will flow through the pipeline.
The project involves construction of a 121-kilometer pipeline that will transport and supply natural gas to markets along its route from Batangas, Laguna and Cavite, and eventually to Metro Manila. It is part of efforts to develop the country’s natural gas industry and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
Ten PPP deals cumulatively worth some P189 billion have been awarded since the infrastructure program was launched in the third quarter of 2010. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source
Posted on September 28, 2015 11:22:00 PM
THE GOVERNMENT still hopes to roll out the P10.528-billion Batangas-Manila (BatMan) Natural Gas Pipeline Project this year despite technical concerns that have delayed it, an Energy official said on Thursday last week.
The BatMan -- which is in the government’s pipeline of public-private partnership (PPP) projects -- was approved by National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) last July.
But prior to the elevation to the NEDA Board headed by President Benigno S.C. Aquino III, the Department of Energy (DoE) raised some concerns that could affect the project. Zenaida Y. Monsada, DoE officer-in-charge, said the concerns -- mostly technical in nature -- have been discussed with Holland-based Rebel Group International BV, the project’s advisor.
“There are certain problematic provisions that have been approved, some of which concern right-of-way,” Ms. Monsada told reporters on the sidelines of a Senate hearing in Pasay City.
“The initial proposal might have conflicts with other expansion programs and road-related activities so we need to present alternative routes.”
Given these concerns, Ms. Monsada said the project will have to revert to the NEDA-ICC, which will meet next month.
“The PNOC will submit recommendations and present the entire pipeline network. So it will not only be one route,” Ms. Monsada said, referring to the Philippine National Oil Co. that is in charge of the BatMan project.
“After that, it will have to pass the NEDA Board. We are still hoping to get that approval so that we can roll out the project before the end of this year,” she added.
“Right now, the target is to award the contract within the current administration.”
The DoE originally targeted to complete the bidding process this year so that project implementation could start next year.
Ms. Monsada admitted that this original timetable can no longer be met, saying it takes time to complete the design and secure permits before the actual construction starts.
But she added that the government is keen on this infrastructure.
“This has been delayed for so long. If we want a balanced energy mix, we have to bring in natural gas to the country and it could not move if we don’t have the necessary infrastructure,” Ms. Monsada explained.
Last July, then Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla had said that more evaluations have to be conducted before the project is offered to investors.
Mr. Petilla had said there were questions on project design and on prospective buyers of the natural gas that will flow through the pipeline.
The project involves construction of a 121-kilometer pipeline that will transport and supply natural gas to markets along its route from Batangas, Laguna and Cavite, and eventually to Metro Manila. It is part of efforts to develop the country’s natural gas industry and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
Ten PPP deals cumulatively worth some P189 billion have been awarded since the infrastructure program was launched in the third quarter of 2010. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source
Govt rushing to ensure approval of BatMan 1
Manila Times
September 28, 2015 10:21 pm
by RITCHIE A. HORARIO, REPORTER
THE Department of Energy (DOE) and the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPP-CP) are working double time to ensure the immediate approval and implementation of the proposed Batangas-Manila (Bat-Man1) pipeline project.
DOE officer-in-charge Zenaida Monsada said the National Economic and Development Authority- Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) will convene on October 14 to finalize the structure and design of the project.
PPP Center executive director Cosette Canilao earlier said the project has already been approved by the NEDA-ICC but because of some revisions to its terms of reference (TOR), it was returned to the committee for finalization.
Monsada said the NEDA-ICC should finalize and approve the route of the pipeline project.
Based on the initial proposal, Monsada said, the project may cause conflict in the expansion program of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) may occur.
She said that right of way (ROW) concerns should be addressed before the implementation of the project.
“They have to present that because, actually, there were three alternative routes but only one will be chosen and will be approved, the shortest one,” Monsada said.
She said the goal is for the project to be awarded within the term of the Aquino administration.
“The project will complete our picture because we want a balanced energy mix — renewable energy (RE), coal and natural gas (natgas). Natgas cannot move without the necessary infrastructure,” said Monsada.
Canilao has expressed confidence that the project will be finally approved this year and will be implemented before the end of the Aquino administration.
The Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) commissioned the PPP Center to conduct an extensive feasibility study on the project.
In turn, the PPP tapped Rebel Group International BV to conduct the study and provide PNOC transaction advisory support until the project’s financial close.
The report of the Rebel Group will be used as basis for the TOR for the bidding of BatMan
1.
But after Rebel Group came out with its feasibility study, the DOE sought clarification on the technical specifications of the BatMan1 project.
The natural gas pipeline has been estimated to cost between $100 million and $150 million [P4.68 billion to P7.02 billion].
Once the project is awarded, the winning firm will conduct an engineering study of the project that involves laying down 105 kilometers of pipeline that will distribute gas from LNG terminals in Batangas to industrial customers in Manila.
The project has drawn interest from foreign investors like PTT of Thailand, Japanese power firm Marubeni Corp., and Russian power firm Gazprom.
PNOC had earlier junked the unsolicited bid of listed Abacus Consolidated Resources & Holdings Inc. for a joint venture to develop the pipeline project.
The DOE said that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is also helping the Philippine government in formulating its policy and infrastructure blueprint for the liquefied natural gas sector. source
September 28, 2015 10:21 pm
by RITCHIE A. HORARIO, REPORTER
THE Department of Energy (DOE) and the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPP-CP) are working double time to ensure the immediate approval and implementation of the proposed Batangas-Manila (Bat-Man1) pipeline project.
DOE officer-in-charge Zenaida Monsada said the National Economic and Development Authority- Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) will convene on October 14 to finalize the structure and design of the project.
PPP Center executive director Cosette Canilao earlier said the project has already been approved by the NEDA-ICC but because of some revisions to its terms of reference (TOR), it was returned to the committee for finalization.
Monsada said the NEDA-ICC should finalize and approve the route of the pipeline project.
Based on the initial proposal, Monsada said, the project may cause conflict in the expansion program of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) may occur.
She said that right of way (ROW) concerns should be addressed before the implementation of the project.
“They have to present that because, actually, there were three alternative routes but only one will be chosen and will be approved, the shortest one,” Monsada said.
She said the goal is for the project to be awarded within the term of the Aquino administration.
“The project will complete our picture because we want a balanced energy mix — renewable energy (RE), coal and natural gas (natgas). Natgas cannot move without the necessary infrastructure,” said Monsada.
Canilao has expressed confidence that the project will be finally approved this year and will be implemented before the end of the Aquino administration.
The Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) commissioned the PPP Center to conduct an extensive feasibility study on the project.
In turn, the PPP tapped Rebel Group International BV to conduct the study and provide PNOC transaction advisory support until the project’s financial close.
The report of the Rebel Group will be used as basis for the TOR for the bidding of BatMan
1.
But after Rebel Group came out with its feasibility study, the DOE sought clarification on the technical specifications of the BatMan1 project.
The natural gas pipeline has been estimated to cost between $100 million and $150 million [P4.68 billion to P7.02 billion].
Once the project is awarded, the winning firm will conduct an engineering study of the project that involves laying down 105 kilometers of pipeline that will distribute gas from LNG terminals in Batangas to industrial customers in Manila.
The project has drawn interest from foreign investors like PTT of Thailand, Japanese power firm Marubeni Corp., and Russian power firm Gazprom.
PNOC had earlier junked the unsolicited bid of listed Abacus Consolidated Resources & Holdings Inc. for a joint venture to develop the pipeline project.
The DOE said that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is also helping the Philippine government in formulating its policy and infrastructure blueprint for the liquefied natural gas sector. source
VAT exemption for power loss charge approved by panel
Business World Online
Posted on September 28, 2015 07:59:00 PM
By Melissa Luz T. Lopez, Reporter
A HOUSE of Representatives panel has approved a measure that seeks to exempt part of the electricity bill from value-added tax (VAT).
The House Committee on Ways and Means approved a bill that seeks to make the system loss charges collected by power generating firms VAT-free. The legislation was proposed by Bayan Muna Reps. Neri J. Colmenares and Carlos Isagani T. Zarate.
System losses refer to pass-on costs to cover for electricity lost during transmission and due to technical inefficiencies.
Such a measure could leave a revenue hole of as much as P1.7 billion based on estimates of the National Tax Research Center.
The Finance department, meanwhile, gave an initial estimate for foregone collections of P300 million.
Under the current Tax Code, all transactions involving power generation, transmission and distribution are covered by the 12% VAT levied on all consumer goods. This includes the system loss charges collected by power players.
“As a tax on consumption, VAT ought to be imposed upon the goods and services people actually buy and consume. By its very definition therefore, the imposition of VAT upon this System Loss charge is unfounded and illegal as the people are taxed for goods/services they have not actually consumed,” the approved House Bill 5543 reads.
Ahead of moving for the bill’s approval, Albay Rep. Al Francis C. Bichara (2nd district) said during the hearing that subjecting systems loss collections to VAT did not make sense, given that it does not entail any “add-on” service.
Sought for comment, Lawrence S. Fernandez, utility economics head of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said the power provider backs the VAT exemption proposal.
“In general, we support the removal or the exemption of the power sector from the VAT which is really we’re just going back to where we were before 2005,” Mr. Fernandez said on the sidelines of the hearing.
Meralco collected P1.4 billion in VAT from systems loss charges in 2014, he added.
Two other measures filed by Representatives Colmenares and Zarate and by Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles seek to exempt power generation, transmission, and distribution from VAT, in a bid to provide some relief to consumers and bring down power rates in the Philippines, which are the highest in Southeast Asia.
The committee will hold third deliberations on the two proposals, but not before pointing out to Finance officials their failure to present their projections on the revenue impact of the bills. source
Posted on September 28, 2015 07:59:00 PM
By Melissa Luz T. Lopez, Reporter
A HOUSE of Representatives panel has approved a measure that seeks to exempt part of the electricity bill from value-added tax (VAT).
The House Committee on Ways and Means approved a bill that seeks to make the system loss charges collected by power generating firms VAT-free. The legislation was proposed by Bayan Muna Reps. Neri J. Colmenares and Carlos Isagani T. Zarate.
System losses refer to pass-on costs to cover for electricity lost during transmission and due to technical inefficiencies.
Such a measure could leave a revenue hole of as much as P1.7 billion based on estimates of the National Tax Research Center.
The Finance department, meanwhile, gave an initial estimate for foregone collections of P300 million.
Under the current Tax Code, all transactions involving power generation, transmission and distribution are covered by the 12% VAT levied on all consumer goods. This includes the system loss charges collected by power players.
“As a tax on consumption, VAT ought to be imposed upon the goods and services people actually buy and consume. By its very definition therefore, the imposition of VAT upon this System Loss charge is unfounded and illegal as the people are taxed for goods/services they have not actually consumed,” the approved House Bill 5543 reads.
Ahead of moving for the bill’s approval, Albay Rep. Al Francis C. Bichara (2nd district) said during the hearing that subjecting systems loss collections to VAT did not make sense, given that it does not entail any “add-on” service.
Sought for comment, Lawrence S. Fernandez, utility economics head of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said the power provider backs the VAT exemption proposal.
“In general, we support the removal or the exemption of the power sector from the VAT which is really we’re just going back to where we were before 2005,” Mr. Fernandez said on the sidelines of the hearing.
Meralco collected P1.4 billion in VAT from systems loss charges in 2014, he added.
Two other measures filed by Representatives Colmenares and Zarate and by Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles seek to exempt power generation, transmission, and distribution from VAT, in a bid to provide some relief to consumers and bring down power rates in the Philippines, which are the highest in Southeast Asia.
The committee will hold third deliberations on the two proposals, but not before pointing out to Finance officials their failure to present their projections on the revenue impact of the bills. source
16 power firms win approval to conduct grid impact studies
Business World Online
Posted on September 28, 2015 07:54:00 PM
SIXTEEN power companies were given clearance to conduct grid impact studies (GIS) in the third quarter, allowing them to proceed with one of the preparatory stages prior to building their proposed generation facilities.
Linemen installing new transmission lines. -- AFP
Data from the Energy department showed that these companies were allowed to conduct their studies for projects that can potentially generate over 4,800 megawatts (MW).
Megawatt Clean Energy, Inc. received the go signal for its 50-MW solar plant in Silay City, Negros Occidental last July.
Strategic Power Development Corp. got the same for San Roque pumped storage hydropower facilities with capacities of 600 MW and 400 MW last July. The projects are located in Itogon, Benguet.
The same company secured a similar approval for the 400-MW hydropower optimization project in San Manuel, Pangasinan that same month.
Eight more companies were allowed to conduct GIS in July.
These are: PhilNew River Power Corp. for its solar 3.7-MW Silo-O and 3.7-MW Malitbog hydropower projects in Bukidnon; YH Green Energy, Inc. for a 14.5-MW solar plant in Hermosa, Bataan; Bronzeoak Philippines, Inc. for its 18-MW solar plant in Bais City, Negros Occidental.
NV Vogt Philippines Solar Energy, Inc., meanwhile, obtained grid approval for a 55-MW plant in Lourdes, Tarlac City and another 55-MW plant in Lucanin, Mariveles.
The go signal for Hedcor, Inc. and San Carlos Sun Power, Inc. covers a 6.15-MW hydro project in La Trinidad, Benguet and a 61.33-MW solar farm in Negros Occidental, respectively.
Also on the list is Solar Philippines, which will build five solar projects with a combined capacity of 315 MW.
These projects will be located in Tarlac City; Talisay City, Negros Occidental; Hermosa, Bataan; Laoag; and Angeles City.
Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. will also conduct a GIS for the 32-MW power barge 103 in Zambales that it acquired from the government.
The same company in August secured approvals for six more power projects.
The projects are: a new 600-MW coal-fired plant in Calaca, Batangas; a 220-MW pet coke power plant in Dinalungan, Aurora; a 332-MW hydropower plant in Diduyon, Quirino; a 40-MW hydro plant in Ilagan, Isabela; a 64-MW diesel project in Zambales; and a 1,200-MW natural gas plant in Bauan, Batangas.
Other projects approved in August were El Elyon Power Plant Phils, Inc.’s 40-MW solar plant in Alabel, Sarangani; and Cleantech Global Renewables, Inc.’s 25-MW solar plant in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
Four companies won approval earlier this month: San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders & Development Group, Inc. for 45-MW hydro project in Tabuk, Kalinga; and Vires Energy Corp.’s 200-MW natural gas-fired power barge in Batangas City.
Completing the list are Peakpower Soccsargen, Inc. and Peakpower San Francisco, Inc.’s 13.94-MW and 5.2-MW bunker-fired plants in Agusan del Sur. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source
Posted on September 28, 2015 07:54:00 PM
SIXTEEN power companies were given clearance to conduct grid impact studies (GIS) in the third quarter, allowing them to proceed with one of the preparatory stages prior to building their proposed generation facilities.
Linemen installing new transmission lines. -- AFP
Data from the Energy department showed that these companies were allowed to conduct their studies for projects that can potentially generate over 4,800 megawatts (MW).
Megawatt Clean Energy, Inc. received the go signal for its 50-MW solar plant in Silay City, Negros Occidental last July.
Strategic Power Development Corp. got the same for San Roque pumped storage hydropower facilities with capacities of 600 MW and 400 MW last July. The projects are located in Itogon, Benguet.
The same company secured a similar approval for the 400-MW hydropower optimization project in San Manuel, Pangasinan that same month.
Eight more companies were allowed to conduct GIS in July.
These are: PhilNew River Power Corp. for its solar 3.7-MW Silo-O and 3.7-MW Malitbog hydropower projects in Bukidnon; YH Green Energy, Inc. for a 14.5-MW solar plant in Hermosa, Bataan; Bronzeoak Philippines, Inc. for its 18-MW solar plant in Bais City, Negros Occidental.
NV Vogt Philippines Solar Energy, Inc., meanwhile, obtained grid approval for a 55-MW plant in Lourdes, Tarlac City and another 55-MW plant in Lucanin, Mariveles.
The go signal for Hedcor, Inc. and San Carlos Sun Power, Inc. covers a 6.15-MW hydro project in La Trinidad, Benguet and a 61.33-MW solar farm in Negros Occidental, respectively.
Also on the list is Solar Philippines, which will build five solar projects with a combined capacity of 315 MW.
These projects will be located in Tarlac City; Talisay City, Negros Occidental; Hermosa, Bataan; Laoag; and Angeles City.
Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. will also conduct a GIS for the 32-MW power barge 103 in Zambales that it acquired from the government.
The same company in August secured approvals for six more power projects.
The projects are: a new 600-MW coal-fired plant in Calaca, Batangas; a 220-MW pet coke power plant in Dinalungan, Aurora; a 332-MW hydropower plant in Diduyon, Quirino; a 40-MW hydro plant in Ilagan, Isabela; a 64-MW diesel project in Zambales; and a 1,200-MW natural gas plant in Bauan, Batangas.
Other projects approved in August were El Elyon Power Plant Phils, Inc.’s 40-MW solar plant in Alabel, Sarangani; and Cleantech Global Renewables, Inc.’s 25-MW solar plant in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
Four companies won approval earlier this month: San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders & Development Group, Inc. for 45-MW hydro project in Tabuk, Kalinga; and Vires Energy Corp.’s 200-MW natural gas-fired power barge in Batangas City.
Completing the list are Peakpower Soccsargen, Inc. and Peakpower San Francisco, Inc.’s 13.94-MW and 5.2-MW bunker-fired plants in Agusan del Sur. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source
16 power firms win approval to conduct grid impact studies
Business World Online
Posted on September 28, 2015 07:54:00 PM
SIXTEEN power companies were given clearance to conduct grid impact studies (GIS) in the third quarter, allowing them to proceed with one of the preparatory stages prior to building their proposed generation facilities.
Linemen installing new transmission lines. -- AFP
Data from the Energy department showed that these companies were allowed to conduct their studies for projects that can potentially generate over 4,800 megawatts (MW).
Megawatt Clean Energy, Inc. received the go signal for its 50-MW solar plant in Silay City, Negros Occidental last July.
Strategic Power Development Corp. got the same for San Roque pumped storage hydropower facilities with capacities of 600 MW and 400 MW last July. The projects are located in Itogon, Benguet.
The same company secured a similar approval for the 400-MW hydropower optimization project in San Manuel, Pangasinan that same month.
Eight more companies were allowed to conduct GIS in July.
These are: PhilNew River Power Corp. for its solar 3.7-MW Silo-O and 3.7-MW Malitbog hydropower projects in Bukidnon; YH Green Energy, Inc. for a 14.5-MW solar plant in Hermosa, Bataan; Bronzeoak Philippines, Inc. for its 18-MW solar plant in Bais City, Negros Occidental.
NV Vogt Philippines Solar Energy, Inc., meanwhile, obtained grid approval for a 55-MW plant in Lourdes, Tarlac City and another 55-MW plant in Lucanin, Mariveles.
The go signal for Hedcor, Inc. and San Carlos Sun Power, Inc. covers a 6.15-MW hydro project in La Trinidad, Benguet and a 61.33-MW solar farm in Negros Occidental, respectively.
Also on the list is Solar Philippines, which will build five solar projects with a combined capacity of 315 MW.
These projects will be located in Tarlac City; Talisay City, Negros Occidental; Hermosa, Bataan; Laoag; and Angeles City.
Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. will also conduct a GIS for the 32-MW power barge 103 in Zambales that it acquired from the government.
The same company in August secured approvals for six more power projects.
The projects are: a new 600-MW coal-fired plant in Calaca, Batangas; a 220-MW pet coke power plant in Dinalungan, Aurora; a 332-MW hydropower plant in Diduyon, Quirino; a 40-MW hydro plant in Ilagan, Isabela; a 64-MW diesel project in Zambales; and a 1,200-MW natural gas plant in Bauan, Batangas.
Other projects approved in August were El Elyon Power Plant Phils, Inc.’s 40-MW solar plant in Alabel, Sarangani; and Cleantech Global Renewables, Inc.’s 25-MW solar plant in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
Four companies won approval earlier this month: San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders & Development Group, Inc. for 45-MW hydro project in Tabuk, Kalinga; and Vires Energy Corp.’s 200-MW natural gas-fired power barge in Batangas City.
Completing the list are Peakpower Soccsargen, Inc. and Peakpower San Francisco, Inc.’s 13.94-MW and 5.2-MW bunker-fired plants in Agusan del Sur. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source
Posted on September 28, 2015 07:54:00 PM
SIXTEEN power companies were given clearance to conduct grid impact studies (GIS) in the third quarter, allowing them to proceed with one of the preparatory stages prior to building their proposed generation facilities.
Linemen installing new transmission lines. -- AFP
Data from the Energy department showed that these companies were allowed to conduct their studies for projects that can potentially generate over 4,800 megawatts (MW).
Megawatt Clean Energy, Inc. received the go signal for its 50-MW solar plant in Silay City, Negros Occidental last July.
Strategic Power Development Corp. got the same for San Roque pumped storage hydropower facilities with capacities of 600 MW and 400 MW last July. The projects are located in Itogon, Benguet.
The same company secured a similar approval for the 400-MW hydropower optimization project in San Manuel, Pangasinan that same month.
Eight more companies were allowed to conduct GIS in July.
These are: PhilNew River Power Corp. for its solar 3.7-MW Silo-O and 3.7-MW Malitbog hydropower projects in Bukidnon; YH Green Energy, Inc. for a 14.5-MW solar plant in Hermosa, Bataan; Bronzeoak Philippines, Inc. for its 18-MW solar plant in Bais City, Negros Occidental.
NV Vogt Philippines Solar Energy, Inc., meanwhile, obtained grid approval for a 55-MW plant in Lourdes, Tarlac City and another 55-MW plant in Lucanin, Mariveles.
The go signal for Hedcor, Inc. and San Carlos Sun Power, Inc. covers a 6.15-MW hydro project in La Trinidad, Benguet and a 61.33-MW solar farm in Negros Occidental, respectively.
Also on the list is Solar Philippines, which will build five solar projects with a combined capacity of 315 MW.
These projects will be located in Tarlac City; Talisay City, Negros Occidental; Hermosa, Bataan; Laoag; and Angeles City.
Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. will also conduct a GIS for the 32-MW power barge 103 in Zambales that it acquired from the government.
The same company in August secured approvals for six more power projects.
The projects are: a new 600-MW coal-fired plant in Calaca, Batangas; a 220-MW pet coke power plant in Dinalungan, Aurora; a 332-MW hydropower plant in Diduyon, Quirino; a 40-MW hydro plant in Ilagan, Isabela; a 64-MW diesel project in Zambales; and a 1,200-MW natural gas plant in Bauan, Batangas.
Other projects approved in August were El Elyon Power Plant Phils, Inc.’s 40-MW solar plant in Alabel, Sarangani; and Cleantech Global Renewables, Inc.’s 25-MW solar plant in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
Four companies won approval earlier this month: San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders & Development Group, Inc. for 45-MW hydro project in Tabuk, Kalinga; and Vires Energy Corp.’s 200-MW natural gas-fired power barge in Batangas City.
Completing the list are Peakpower Soccsargen, Inc. and Peakpower San Francisco, Inc.’s 13.94-MW and 5.2-MW bunker-fired plants in Agusan del Sur. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source
Sunday, September 27, 2015
PSALM to delay STEAG sale until supply stabilizes
Business World Online
Posted on September 27, 2015 06:03:00 PM
THE GOVERNMENT plans to defer the auction for the contracted capacity of the STEAG coal-fired plant until the supply situation in Mindanao stabilizes.
Zenaida Y. Monsada, officer-in-charge for the Energy department, said last week that the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) will discuss this plan at its next board meeting.
Bidding was originally schedule for Nov. 25.
“It would be best if the privatization will take place when supply is already stable,” Ms. Monsada said on the sidelines of a Senate hearing in Pasay City.
“That’s the direction that we intend to pursue. It will be discussed in the next board meeting of PSALM,” Ms. Monsada said.
She said various stakeholders have been pushing for the postponement of the bidding, saying this could further shoot up power rates in Mindanao.
“If we do that now, we will use the prevailing rates, so that will be high,” said Ms. Monsada.
“When supply is already stable, there will be not much pressure on the prices,” she added.
The official said the PSALM Board will finalize the timeline but the bidding will likely take place next year.
“It will just be a deferment. There are new plants coming in the first quarter,” Ms. Monsada said.
“Next year, the supply situation will be better,” she noted.
Last month, PSALM said it was expecting six investor groups to participate in the bidding of the independent power producer administrator contract for the plant.
This was lower than 12 companies that originally expressed since some companies formed partnerships.
PSALM in April named the 12 firms that attended the pre-bid conference for the privatization activity.
The list includes the top three generators in the country: SMC Global Power Holdings Corp.; FirstGen Northern Power Corp.; and Aboitiz-owned Therma Southern Mindanao, Inc.
Also on the list are the Gotianuns’ FDC Davao Del Norte Power Corp.; the Alcantara Group’s Conal Holdings Corp.; and Meralco PowerGen Corp.
Other interested investors are GDF Suez Energy Philippines, Inc.; Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd.; Team (Philippines) Energy Corp.
Listed firms SPC Power Corp. and Vivant Corp. via Vivant Energy Corp.; as well as Nefix Pte. Ltd. completed the list of prospective bidders.
Located in Misamis Oriental, the STEAG coal plant was constructed in 2006 under a 25-year Build-Operate-Transfer-Power Purchase Agreement scheme.
The plant -- which supplies about a fifth of Mindanao’s power needs -- has an installed capacity of 210 megawatts (MW) but the government’s contracted capacity is only at 200 MW.
The cooperation period of the government with the plant operator, STEAG State Power Inc., will end in 2031. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source
Posted on September 27, 2015 06:03:00 PM
THE GOVERNMENT plans to defer the auction for the contracted capacity of the STEAG coal-fired plant until the supply situation in Mindanao stabilizes.
Zenaida Y. Monsada, officer-in-charge for the Energy department, said last week that the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) will discuss this plan at its next board meeting.
Bidding was originally schedule for Nov. 25.
“It would be best if the privatization will take place when supply is already stable,” Ms. Monsada said on the sidelines of a Senate hearing in Pasay City.
“That’s the direction that we intend to pursue. It will be discussed in the next board meeting of PSALM,” Ms. Monsada said.
She said various stakeholders have been pushing for the postponement of the bidding, saying this could further shoot up power rates in Mindanao.
“If we do that now, we will use the prevailing rates, so that will be high,” said Ms. Monsada.
“When supply is already stable, there will be not much pressure on the prices,” she added.
The official said the PSALM Board will finalize the timeline but the bidding will likely take place next year.
“It will just be a deferment. There are new plants coming in the first quarter,” Ms. Monsada said.
“Next year, the supply situation will be better,” she noted.
Last month, PSALM said it was expecting six investor groups to participate in the bidding of the independent power producer administrator contract for the plant.
This was lower than 12 companies that originally expressed since some companies formed partnerships.
PSALM in April named the 12 firms that attended the pre-bid conference for the privatization activity.
The list includes the top three generators in the country: SMC Global Power Holdings Corp.; FirstGen Northern Power Corp.; and Aboitiz-owned Therma Southern Mindanao, Inc.
Also on the list are the Gotianuns’ FDC Davao Del Norte Power Corp.; the Alcantara Group’s Conal Holdings Corp.; and Meralco PowerGen Corp.
Other interested investors are GDF Suez Energy Philippines, Inc.; Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd.; Team (Philippines) Energy Corp.
Listed firms SPC Power Corp. and Vivant Corp. via Vivant Energy Corp.; as well as Nefix Pte. Ltd. completed the list of prospective bidders.
Located in Misamis Oriental, the STEAG coal plant was constructed in 2006 under a 25-year Build-Operate-Transfer-Power Purchase Agreement scheme.
The plant -- which supplies about a fifth of Mindanao’s power needs -- has an installed capacity of 210 megawatts (MW) but the government’s contracted capacity is only at 200 MW.
The cooperation period of the government with the plant operator, STEAG State Power Inc., will end in 2031. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source
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