Alcantara-owned firm starts public dialogue on power plant

MANILA, Philippines - Conal Holdings Corp. (CHC), owned by the Alcantara Group, has started public consultations on its proposed 200-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant project in Maasim, Sarangani.

The company said the series of public hearings is a requirement prior to the issuance of an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for the $450-million project.

It said many residents have expressed support for the power project which is seen to ease an anticipated power supply shortfall in 2012.

CHC added that residents contending the construction of the plant were also given a chance to air their side.

The company said the questions and issues ranged from perceived fears, legitimate concerns on the impact of the project to the environment and general health of residents of the host village of Kamanga and neighboring villages of Maasim, as well as technical aspects of the plant, including the air, water, and solid wastes and measures to prevent environmental damage.

CHC vice president for business development Joseph Nocos said their use of modern technology will allow them to keep emissions well below the standards set by the Clean Air Act as well as the more stringent ceilings set by the World Bank.

The construction of the proposed power is expected to begin in the last quarter of this year.

Last year, the National Transmission Co. (Transco) warned of a shortfall in power supply in Mindanao following steady growth in demand unless new generating plants are put into commission.

The Department of Energy said demand, in power supply is steadily growing at 4.3 percent every year.

Next year, the Mindanao power grid will reportedly face a shortfall of 84 MW, increasing to 174 MW in 2011 and 270 MW in 2012.

Only the 42.5-MW Sibulan hydropower plant in Davao del Sur is set for commissioning later this year. – Donnabelle Gatdula