MANILA, Philippines - Renewable energy firm Hydrotec Renewables Inc. is looking at developing several potential mini and micro hydro projects in Leyte to electrify unenergized regions while creating jobs in areas devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda.
Hydrotec director Hannes Mueller said the company is looking at several opportunities in Leyte.
“Hydrotec’s engagement in Leyte, our German and Filipino engineers are currently checking several potential sites for mini and micro hydros in Leyte like at Baybay and Ormoc area,†he said.
Hydrotec’s mini and micro hydro projects are designed for fast construction period of just six to eight months for small hydros up to 10 megawatts, data from the company showed. Mini and micro hydros can be constructed at a faster pace or within two to four months.
For the installation of micro hydros, up to 50 kilowatts, the company is in discussion for support and grants from the European Commission and the German Government, Mueller said.
For the construction, he added, the company would outsource local laborers and firms, as well as for the operation and maintenance. “This will especially help to produce electricity in un-electrified areas, but as well in electrified regions,†Mueller also said.
This developed as the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), German corporations and private citizens from Germany have responded to the call for donations to restructure the typhoon devastated areas.
The GPCCI decided to further contribute to the project of the delivery of 10 and installation of LED solar streetlights. The lights are presently installed in 10 barangays to answer their call for electrification before Christmas.
The streetlights were manufactured and installed by Maschinen and Technik, Inc. (MATEC), a pioneer in renewable energy application in the Philippines and a company affiliated with Hydrotec, Mueller also said.
These 30-watt streetlights have an autonomy of two days are are mounted on six-meter poles.
The presence of solar street lights in Ormoc is seen to contribute to enhancing the security and safety in the communities.