SMC Global fast-tracks operation of Limay plant

SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMC Global), the power unit of the San Miguel Group., is willing to fast-track the operation of Unit 1 of its 4 x 150-megawatt (MW) Limay power plant by using diesel instead of coal to augment power supply with the impending Malampaya scheduled maintenance shutdown‎ by the end of the month.

“Right now, Unit 1 is operating on diesel. It will help even during the Malampaya shutdown this February. It will be able to produce 150 MW but it’s more expensive because the fuel used is diesel,” SMC Global Chairman Ramon Ang said in an interview Tuesday afternoon at the San Miguel office.