Metrobank unit mulls coal-fired plant in Bohol

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu Energy Development Corp., the power generation unit of the Metrobank Group, is considering the possibility of putting up a coal-fired power facility in Bohol.

Bohol I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Boheco I) general manager Carlos Itable told reporters recently that CEDC officials have met with him to explore the possibility of constructing a coal-based power plant in the area.

“I told them they should put up a plant here because we still have a shortage of 60 megawatts,” Itable said.

CEDC has signified an interest to put up next year an 82-MW power plant in Bohol where power demand is growing at an average of three to five percent every year.

Itable said they expect a number of businesses to be established in the province.

He said there is a need for additional power to supply to a Korean shipyard.

According to Itable, there are a number of commercial and industrial plants that are expected to be put up as the island is being promoted as a prime tourists’ hub.

The Boheco official said its board has approved the proposal to source power from proposed CEDC power plant.

“The board approved that we get 14 megawatts for baseload from CEDC,” he said.

CEDC is a joint venture among Global Business Power Corp. of the Metrobank Group, Aboitiz Power Corp., Vivant Corp., and Formosa Heavy Industries of Taiwan.

The group is currently putting-up a 246-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Cebu. 

The first phase or first 82-MW power unit of the three phases was switched on and synchronized to the Visayas grid in the first week of March this year.

The other two units are expected to be connected to the grid in June and December this year.

Panay Energy Development Corp., another power generation unit of the Metrobank group, expects to complete its 164-megawatt power plant in Panay within the year.