PNOC, Mindanao power co-op team up for Bulanog-Batang project

The Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) and the Northern Mindanao Electric Cooperative Association (NORMECA) formalized recently an alliance to facilitate the development of the 150-megawatt Bulanog-Batang hydropower project in Bukidnon.

PNOC president Pedro Aquino Jr. said the $245 million hydro project will boost the energy supply in the region.

The state-run firm had signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Northern Mindanao Electric Cooperative Association (NORMECA) Hydro Power Corp. for the conduct of a technical study on the project.

Aquino said the agreement would enable the two parties to review the potentials of the Bulanog and Batang rivers in Talakag, Bukidnon as a viable source of hydro electric power.

The parties will re-evaluate the technical, social, financial, economic and environmental viability and determine the optimum development solution for the proposed project.

“We have to respond to the looming energy crisis in Mindanao and we are looking at the Bulanog-Batang hydro project as one renewable project that can help address this situation,” Aquino said.

 Aquino said the National Power Corp. (Napocor) initiated the conduct of the feasibility studies on the project in 1980 and 1991.

In 1996, a joint review was made. But with the major restructuring of the energy industry, the planned implementation did not push through.

The Bulanog-Batang hydro project is now one of the priority projects identified by the Department of Energy (DOE).

NORMECA Hydro president Pedrito H. Baculio said based on the previous studies, the Bulanog-Batang hydro project remains one of the most viable power projects in the region.

“It’s 150-megawatt output will be a big contribution in meeting the energy demand in northern Mindanao,” Baculio said.

“Should the study prove to be a viable undertaking for PNOC, the company will waste no time in pushing for its immediate implementation,” Aquino said.