Local power firm putting up P27-B hydropower plant in Samar

MANILA, Philippines - San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Group Inc. (SLRB), a local power developer, is putting up a P27-billion, 300-megawatt pumped storage hydropower plant in Eastern Samar, a top company official said.

SLRB president Oscar Violago said the project would be the first hydropower plant in the entire Samar area.

“This hydro project will stabilize and make power available to Samaraneos. As of today, Lawaan, where the river Bolusao is located, has two hours of power only. With the project, they will have power 24/7 and this will also promote tourism,” Violago said.

He said the company is hoping to start construction within the year once it secures the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) and National Commission for Indigenous People clearance.

Last week, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho signed the renewable service contract for the pumped storage of Bolusao hydro project.

Violago said the company is eyeing to complete the project in three years.

The plant’s power output will be sold to the main Visayas grid.

Violago said the company is also developing a 12-MW run-of-river hydro project in the same area, which they are also targeting  within the year.

“Government agencies should give us extra support and fasttrack our hydro projects so that the power shortages will be addressed. Hydro should be fully supported so that these resources can be harnessed,” he said.

Other projects the company is planning include the 160-MW hydro plant utilizing the Davao River and a 190-MW hydro plant in Kalinga utilizing the Chico River, Violago also said.