2 hydro projects approved
The Regional Development Council during its third quarter Regular meeting approved the implementation of two hydropower projects - the Villa Siga Hydropower Project in Barangay Igsoro, Bugasong, Antique and the Timbahan Hydropower project in Ma. Cristina, Madalag, Aklan for implementation.
Engineer Ramon Hechanova, Chair of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council, presented the Resolution for its implementation to the Regional Development Council chaired by Gov. Salvacion Perez.
It will be recalled that several studies have been conducted in the past for the realization of the Villa Siga project. The original Nor Consult AS Study was conducted in l984, with the National Electrification Administration as proponent. Again, in l992 Nor Consult conducted a Review and Updating for the National Power Corporation and the last study was in 2003 by the Trans-Asia updating for the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC). In 2005, the Department of Energy recommended that PNOC conduct an entirely new feasibility study through the sponsorship of the International Fusion Company/DOHWA Engineers Consortium of the Republic of Korea which engaged M. Vergel III Consult Hydro Power Systems and Environmental Planning Consultant to prepare the study.
Total project cost of Villa Siga is estimated at PhP 2.048B to be funded by a Korean consortium.
On the other hand, the Timbahan Hydropower Project was previously endorsed by the Regional Development Council way back in l996. However, it was not implemented. In 2003, the Japan External Trade Organization conducted an updated study of Timbahan that now forms the basis of the proposal.
The Timbaban Hydropower is estimated to cost US$ 52.985 Million and is proposed for funding by the Japanese government through a JBIC STEP loan window.
The development of the Villa Siga hydropower and the Timbahan Hydropower is in line with the Philippine energy Plan. As of its 2006 update the primary energy supply mix of the country is composed of Imported of (37.6%), geothermal (20.6%) biomass (16.1%), imported coal (9.0%), natural gas (6.5%) hydro (5%), local coal (3.7%), local oil (1.5%) and CME (0.0%).
In Region 6, another location being eyed for its hydropower is Igbolo in Igbaras, Iloilo. Together with Villa Siga and Timbahan, it is estimated that the potential capacity (MW) is 49.50, which can boost the power requirements of Panay. (PIA6)