The Philippines’ decades-old hydropower facilities may soon get a major upgrade, with Austrian company Global Hydro Energy signaling readiness to rehabilitate these legacy sites.

Global Hydro Energy sees “huge potential” in modernizing the country’s aging hydropower plants to significantly boost electricity output, CEO Heinz Peter Knass told Power Philippines in an exclusive interview at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria on November 17. The firm is positioning itself as a key contender to lead upgrades on critical hydropower systems, long recognized as central to the country’s renewable energy capacity.

Knass said revitalization is a core business for the company, especially for plants that are decades old and built with outdated mechanical and electrical systems. He noted that modern turbine geometries, automation upgrades, and digital tools can unlock meaningful increases in generation. “I am pretty much convinced that we can (get) higher power output of those power plants significantly,” Knass said.

Asked specifically about Philippine complexes, Knass affirmed their interest. “Yes, we are interested,” he said, adding that revitalization is “a completely different business” that requires navigating existing structures and aging equipment. 

Knass hinted that discussions may already be underway, saying only that “there is a huge potential for revitalization in the country” and that Global Hydro is willing to bring its expertise once decisions are made. He emphasized that hydropower plants abroad have remained reliable for 50 to 70 years with proper modernization—an outcome he believes is achievable locally.

Beyond increasing output, Knass said revitalization secures long-term stability. “We want to become a long-term performance partner… the one partner who will still be there also in 20 years,” he said. The company sees the Philippines as a focus market and expects revitalization to be a major growth area alongside new developments.

How should the Philippines prioritize rehabilitation of its aging hydropower assets to strengthen long-term energy security?

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