Aboitiz Power subsidiary eyes mini-hydropower projects nationwide

The hydropower subsidiary of the Aboitiz Power Inc. is planning to develop mini-hydropower projects nationwide with a combined long-term capacity of nearly 400 megawatts (MW). “We have applications for 39 projects,” said Rene Ronquillo, president of Hedcor Inc. on Thursday at the sidelines of The Philippine Hydro Summit 2013 organized by Philippine Association of Small Scale Hydropower Inc. The 39 was on top of the 19 hydropower projects already constructed and three more being built. Ronquillo said the total capacity of these projects is roughly 400 MW. For the 39 hydropower projects, Hedcor intends to build two plants a year for an estimated total cost of P4 billion. "We’re looking at other projects, but you know right now they’re just studies,” Ronquillo told reporters. “Although we have started our communication with the communities and they seem to be quite excited about it." The planned projects are in Bukidnon, Negros and the other parts of Cordilleras. “We believe there’s strong community support because the nice thing about hydro, small hydro, is that it provides inclusive growth, inclusive development in the communities," he said. Hedcor has two projects under construction, namely the 14 MW Tudaya 1 and 2 Project in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, while the construction of a 13 MW Sabangan project in Mt. Province is expected to start soon. Hedcor, which specializes in generating renewable energy from run-of-river hydropower systems, is waiting for the final permit called the special land use permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the Sabangan project. The Aboitiz subsidiary owns and operates hydropower plants in Bakun, Benguet. These include the 5.9 MW FLS hydropower plant, 3.6 MW Lonoy hydro and Lower 2.4 MW Labay hydro projects. — KBK, GMA News