PNOC eyes two hydropower projects in WV

Two areas in Western Visayas are included among the seven different sites being evaluated by the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) to be developed as hydropower sites with a total power generation capacity of 118.2 megawatts (MW).

These two areas are the Timbaban in Madalag, Aklan with a potential of 23 MW and Villasiga in Bugasong, Antique (25 MW). Other sites include Langogan and Babuyan in Puerto Princesa (12.4 MW combined), Catuiran in Calapan, Occidental Mindoro (18 MW), Sicopong in Sta, Catalina, Negros Oriental (17.8 MW) and Pasil in Kalinga, Mt. Province (22 MW).

Data obtained from PNOC revealed that these sites are now either undergoing preliminary evaluation or are being considered for feasibility studies.

For the Timbaban site in Aklan, certain issues still need to be ironed out between the Department of Energy and Environment and Natural Resources.

Meanwhile, the PNOC is exploring the possibility of getting a private sector partner for the development of the Catuiran site while the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Commerce recently granted the financing for the feasibility study on the Langogan and Babuyan sites.

PNOC is also working on getting a grant financing from the Japan External Trade Organization for a feasibility study on the Pasil site.

On the other hand, the Sicopong site’s feasibility study is already complete and is now being reviewed by its proponent, the West JEC while a new feasibility study is being conducted for the Villasiga site.

A one MW power can provide energy to about 300 households. (PNOC/PIA)