|
The Department of Energy signed three new operating contracts with
Sunwest Water and Electric Power Company Inc. (Suweco) for the
development of three mini-hydro electric power plants in Catanduanes.
The proposed mini-hydroelectric power projects
in the province include the 2.3-megawatt Solong Mini-Hydropower
Project in Barangay Solong, San Miguel, and the 1.5-megawatt Hitoma
1 and 1.575-megawatt Hitoma 2 Mini-Hydropower Projects in Barangay
Obi, Caramonan. Construction of the facilities is estimated to cost
around P729 million.
Suweco is part of the Sunwest Group of Companies
(SGC) based in the Albay province. SGC has diversified into the
energy distribution business such as the construction and operation
of electric facilities.
Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said Suweco may
now proceed with the projects that are proposed to stabilize the
power supply in the island as well as provide cheaper electricity to
its residents.
“The mini-hydropower projects will contribute
to our goal of achieving energy independence by reducing the
dependency on imported fuel. More importantly, the projects will
utilize a renewable form of energy, therefore giving us benefits
through the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions,” he added.
The plants will displace 43,000 barrels of fuel
oil equivalent, which translates to more than $5.8 million in
foreign exchange savings annually for the country. The mini-hydro
projects will also generate “avoided” carbon dioxide emission of
15,446 tons annually, which is equivalent to P3.418 million yearly
in the carbon credits market.
The latest contract signing comes on the heels
of a separate agreement inked between the Department of Energy and
Suweco to develop the 8-megawatt Villasiga Mini-Hydropower Project
in Sitio Villasaga, Barangay Igsoro, Bugasong, Antique.
Once completed, the Villasaga project will
generate annual foreign exchange savings of $6.8 million and reduce
carbon dioxide emission by 17,100 tons, which is equivalent to P3.7
million annually.
-- Euan Paulo C. Ańonuevo
|
