Napocor to build 6 new RE-diesel hybrid plants

MANILA, Philippines — The National Power Corp. (Napocor) is looking to put up six renewable energy (RE)-diesel hybrid power plants under its RE program in off-grid areas.

Napocor said its Missionary Electrification Plan includes the RE program, focusing on solar, wind, mini and micro hydro hybrids.

The state-run firm is targeting to initially install 1.1 megawatt-peak (MWp) hybrid systems in order to comply with offgrid requirement under the Renewable Energy Act, Napocor vice president for corporate affairs Rene Barruela said.

He said priority projects are in Cuaming, Bohol with 55 kilowatt-peak (kWp) system; Palumbanes, Catanduanes with 40 kWp; Sabtang, Batanes with 250 kWp; Itbayat, Batanes with 250 kWp; Balicasag, Bohol; and Gigantes, Iloilo.

“However, the plan for Gigantes will be cancelled since the DU (distribution utility) is the one that will implement as part of its CSP (competitive selection process)  for the power supply for the said island,” Barruela said.

So far, Napocor has installed a solar photovoltaic (PV) diesel hybrid in Limawasa Island in Southern Leyte. The project, which was commissioned on Feb. 20, has a solar PV capacity of 120 kWp.

The hybrid plant is expected to lower the prices of electricity for the island’s residents and promote further the use of renewable energy in the missionary areas.

Limawasa Island used to be powered solely by the 700-kW Limawasa diesel power plant which provides round the clock operations since 2017.