Construction of 42-MW hydro power plant in Negros seen to start in 2016

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=3&rid=768807
• Thursday, June 4, 2015

By Marchel P. Espina [(PNA), CTB/NLG/MPE/EDS]

BACOLOD CITY, June 4 (PNA) -- The construction of the proposed USD 140-million, 42-megawatt hydro power plant in Negros Occidental is expected to start in 2016.

On Wednesday, representatives of Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. (ACR) owned by the Mindanao-based Alcantara Group, gave a presentation of its Bago River Hydro Project before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The 42-MW power plant will have a powerhouse in Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City with an installed capacity of 8 megawatts; Barangay Igma-yaan, Don Salvador Benedicto, 8MW; Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, 15MW; and Barangay Bacong-Montilla, Bago City, 11MW.

Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the proposed hydro power plant will address the power demand not only in Negros, but also in other areas.

"It’s possible that whatever they can come up with the project, it will be transmitted to the grid. This could be a source of power for the whole country," he added.

Lacson added that the proponent presented the project to them because they would need an endorsement from the Provincial Board by issuing a resolution interposing no objection to the project.

The vice governor said he is confident because with the company they are “very reputable.”

“They are into diesel and coal. Now, they’re focusing on renewable energy,” he added. “They are looking at 2019 for the commissioning, and the construction could start as early as 2016.”

Lacson said the Provincial Board will also consult Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. on the project.

According to the proponent, the benefits of the hydro power plant include clean, reliable and economic power supply; taxes; employment opportunities; and community development projects like education livelihood projects and training, reforestation and watershed, health care, and community electrification.

This year, the company is expected to finalize its feasibility studies, which include upkeep of gauging stations, updating of hydrology data, and site environment confirmation survey; permits; and updating of financial model.