MARIVELES, Bataan – The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) joined the Southeast Asia Renewable Power Corp. (SARPCO) in a recent groundbreaking event for the 522-kilowatt Mariveles Hydropower Plant Project.
AFAB Administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda, in a message said, “We’re very glad to be part of this momentous occasion…this is really very close to my heart.”
Pineda pointed out the relevance of the renewal energy project to his SOFT HEART (Socially Relevant, Operationally Viable, Financially Feasible, Technologically Advanced – Housing, Expansion Areas, Accessibility, Renewable Energy, Transportation) agenda as the AFAB Administrator.
“Pero ‘yung R ang importante ngayon, renewable energy…we envision, this as just the start. Although maliit lang initially…because we imposed upon SARPC (SARPCO)…that the water to be used to run the turbines should be limited to the volume that we are actually treating…ayaw naming may tatapon,” Admin Pineda explained.
(But the R is important now, renewable energy… we envision, this as just the start. Although it was small initially… because we imposed upon SARPC (SARPCO)… that the water to be used to run the turbines should be limited to the volume that we are actually treating… we don’t want any of it wasted.)
The hydropower plant aims to effectively utilize the available water from FAB existing reservoir by producing an alternative, clean energy generation without interfering with the existing FAB’s water treatment plant and water supply operation.
The layout of the plant was studied in terms of penstock alignment, location of power house and water transfer with the highest consideration particularly in the operation of the existing FAB water treatment plant.
Also, the available reservoir outflow / river flow for power generation was estimated through differential mass curve method.
The annual average daily flow available for power generation was estimated at 0.60cms and the maximum installed capacity of 522 kW was determined in consideration of the peak and off-peak power generation.
SARPCO through COO Cynthia Medina expressed its gratitude to all the people who have supported the project since the start of its pre-development in 2012.
“We want to be diligent in this endeavor, kaya nagtatagal,” said Administrator Pineda. (We want to be diligent in this endeavor, so it takes time.)
Despite the long wait, Travellers Insurance and Surety Corporation (TRISCO) Chairman Samuel Lee said, “With this project, to God be the glory.
By 2022, it should be up and running The project will produce an estimated annual energy of 3,277,000 kWh that can be allocated to the FAB Enterprises. With an estimated project cost of Php 120 million pesos, project completion is expected within 10 to 12 months (from March 2021 – March 2022).