PNOC Renewables to invest $335 million on hydropower projects

MANILA, Philippines - PNOC Renewables Corp., the renewable energy development unit of state-run Philippine National Oil Corp. (PNOC), intends to invest more than $335 million for its various hydroelectric power projects.

The company said feasibility studies are now being done on seven projects which could generate around 200 megawatts (MW) of power from hydro resources. It plans to bid out by next month the contracts for the feasibility studies.

Among these are hydro projects in Nalatang B Kabayan (45 MW); Jalaur (20 MW); Abuan (60 MW); Saltan B (24 MW); Pasil B (20 MW); Pasil C (22 MW) and Dulangan (18 MW).

“PNOC Renewables is looking for partners for these projects as long as their proposal is viable,” a company source said.

The company was created to support PNOC’s bid to become a frontrunner in the government’s renewable energy projects, mostly in geothermal, wind and solar energy projects.

According to sources, the conduct of the studies signals the company’s long-term commitment as these projects involve a long gestation period.

Based on initial studies, the Abuan hydropower project would need about $99.46 million, most costly among the seven projects. The Abuan hydro is a reservoir type hydropower development along the Abuan River in Villa Imelda, Ilagan, Isabela. 

At $61 million, the 45-MW Nalatang B run-of-river hydropower project is the second highest in terms of cost. It will be located in Kabayan, Benguet.

Also in the list is the 24-MW Saltan B hydropower project in Salegseg, Balbalan, Kalinga. The proposed project is estimated to cost $30.9 million.

Moreso, the company is eyeing to develop the Pasil B and C hydro projects in Lubuagan, Kalinga. Both projects are run-of-river type hydro projects utilizing water from the Pasil River. Pasil B hydro is estimated to generate 20 MW and will cost $27.5 million while Pasil C has a slightly higher capacity of 22 MW and higher cost amounting to $32.1 million.

On the other hand, the 24-MW Saltan B hydro project in Salegseg, Balbalan, Kalinga is a run-of-the-river hydro estimated to cost $30.9 million.

The company is also looking at developing the 20-MW Jalaur multi- purpose project, a reservoir/impounding type of hydropower development along Jalaur River located at Calinog, Iloilo with an estimated cost of $50 million.

It is also eyeing to build an 18-MW Dulangan hydro project located at Baco, Oriental, Mindoro at a cost of $34.8 million.