Hydropower proponent welcomes coal-fired power plant in Iloilo
California Energy Incorporated (CalEn) executive officer Rey Cunningham welcomed the establishment of a coal-fired power plant in nearby Iloilo City.
Cunningham said the project will not in any way compete with their proposed US$ 420-million hydropower plant in Libacao, Aklan.
He said Panay urgently needs additional supply of electricity and with the soaring of prices of oil in the world market, coal-fired power plant is the best alternative solution.
"Not only that coal-fired power plant is a cheaper source of electricity but it also takes shorter time to be built and operated. We welcome the additional source of electricity in Panay," Cunningham said.
He added that CalEn is set to continue its proposed 50-megawatt hydro power project in Libacao, citing the increasing demand of electricity in Panay Island particularly Boracay Island known for its booming tourism industry.
CalEn is nearing the completion of its feasibility study in Libacao and will soon offer its Electric Power Purchase Agreement with the different power cooperatives in Panay.
The construction of hydropower project is expected to take at least three years.
"We could still offer electricity to the residents of Panay during peak hours," said Cunningham. (PNA)