RDC 6 OKs Antique hydropower
Antique's Villa Siga Hydropower Project in Brgy. Igsoro, Bugasong is approved. The Regional Development Council VI in its third quarter meeting last September 28,approved IDC Resolution No. 8 of its Infrastructure Development Committee endorsing for its implementation.
The RDC 6, Chaired by Antique Governor Salvacion Z. Perez, reveal that the realization of the hydropower project will address the projected power deficit in the Island of Panay. The project will also stabilize the power voltage in the province of Antique and will eventually reduce the country's dependency on imported oil. This is consistent with the priorities of the Power/Energy sector as spelled out under the Western Visayas Regional Development Plan for CY 2004-2010.
The hydropower project estimated to cost P2.048 Billion and is expected to generate an estimated power of 16.5 mega watt. Proposed major work items to include in the implementation of the project according to the resolution presented by IDC Chair Engr. Ramon G. Hechanova, as revealed in the study are as follow: a main overflow diversion weir with 5-meter high dam, a 2.34 kilometer tunnel from Paliuan to Yabangan weir, a 2.385 kilometers headrace line running along natural contour from Yabangan portal and a 212 meter penstock line from surge tank to powerhouse. This is being proposed for possible funding by a Korean Consortium.
Prior to this, various related studies had been conducted for the realization of the project. In 2005, however, the PNOC upon recommendation of the Department of Energy (DOE) decided to pursue the conduct of an entirely new feasibility study through the sponsorship of International Fusion Co. (IF)/DOHWA Engineers Consortium of the Republic of South Korea which engaged M. Vergel III Consult – Hydro Power Systems and Environmental Planning Consultant to prepare the study. An earlier feasibility study presented at the Antique Electric Cooperative Board Room in San Jose, Antique, disclosed that the project if completed will produce electricity from the energy of cascading water estimated at 16.5 megawatts, its highest peak in August, with a projected low of 1.3 megawatts in April, and will charge ANTECO at only P 5.00 per kilowatt-hour. This charge is actually much cheaper than the current rate with an economic internal return of 26.2%, said ANTECO General Manager Ludovico Lim. He added that it entails a much lower maintenance cost as compared to using other power plants generated by other sources. The project is a joint venture of South Korea's International Fusion and the Philippine National Oil Company and is expected to be finished within 5 years.
(pio-Antique)