The projects are expected to reduce the usage of 43,000 barrels of fuel oil annually and carbon dioxide emissions from displaced power generation from conventional plants.
“The mini-hydropower projects will contribute to our goal of achieving energy independence by reducing the dependency on imported fuel. More importantly, the projects will utilize a renewable form of energy, therefore, giving us benefits through the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions,” Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said.
DoE has also awarded a contract to Gerphil Renewable Energy Inc. for a 0.11-megawatt mini-hydro project in Impasugong, Bukidnon.
“The initiative and participation of local investors in the power distribution sector is consistent with the current administration’s thrust to tap the private sector to develop the country’s indigenous energy resources and achieve energy independence,” Reyes said.
Reconnaissance permits have been issued by the DoE for the proposed 2.6 MW Linao Cawayan (Lower Cascade) and 2 MW Linao (Upper Mindanao) MHP in Oriental Mindoro. 2.1-megawatt Gulamon-San Ramon MHP and the 8 MW Villasiga MHP in Antique, the 2.8 MW Kapipian MHP in Catanduanes and 10 MW Puyo River MHP in Agusan de Norte also received such permits.
Other mini-hydro projects that received DOE permits are the 6.8 MW Langogan HP in Palawan, 3 MW Dupinga MHP in Nueva Ecija, 10 MW Kulaman MHP in Bukidnon, 8 MW Kibungan MHP in Benguet, 8 MW Catuiran MHP in Oriental Mindoro, 9.6 MW Tinoc 1-3 MHP in Ifugao, and 5.2 MW Cantakoy MHP in Bohol.
