Hydro power project in Langogan to commence construction

• Source:http://palawan-news.com/6-8-mw-hydro-power-project-in-langogan-to-commence-construction-very-soon/
• Saturday, February 6, 2016

By Catherine Santos

After seven years of struggling for their project application, Mike Wotton of Langogan Power Corporation (LPC) finally announces the construction of 6.8 megawatt hydroelectric power project in Barangay Langogan, Puerto Princesa City immediately after its ground-breaking ceremony Friday, February 5.

As presented by Steve Dorland of LPC during the kick-off ceremony, the said project is about to produce 32 million kwh per year. This ‘run of the river’ type project is around 21 kilometers from its powerhouse located at upper Sitio Manggapin down to the existing 69 KV backbone gridline at barangay central. The target commissioning of the construction project is March 2018 and is expected to last for two years.

LPC assured the public of the sustainability of Langogan River based from series of comprehensive hydrologic studies. Using the satellite historic information from NASA, the rainfall is converted to run-off or river flow, the river will not dry even in 50 years time. Environment and watershed management involving different stakeholders and the community will be incorporated in the project to ensure the river’s sustainability.

Palawan Electric Cooperative General Manager Ric Zambales believes that this new power supply agreement upon operation will help a lot in the stability of power supply in the province. It will also help reduce the power cost, he added.

City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron who was also present in the even expressed his excitement in the first-ever renewable energy in the City. He is even more thrilled by the promise of LPC of 20, 624 tons reduction of carbon dioxide emission per annum compare to other typical power providers.

The Ambassador of Great Britain Asif Ahmad graced the occasion in support to British investors helping Filipinos. “Gusto ko na mapabuti ang buhay ng mga Pilipino,” he fluently aforesaid in Filipino to the delight of the attendees of the said event.

Langogan Bgy. Captain Camilo Bebit and Bert Madamay, a Batak Chieftain expressed happiness to the realization of the project. According to Madamay, it will benefit their tribe in terms of easy road access, free of charge of electricity and possible employment of some members of their indigenous cultural community.

Aside from project in Langogan, the LPC holds other service contracts to develop hydro power projects in Palawan one of which is an 8 megawatt facility located at Batang-Batang, Narra. Palawan and an under application 3.5 megawatt facility along Talakaigan River in Aborlan.