The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given Semirara Mining and Power Corp. its certificate of compliance (COC) as its go signal for operation.
The COC allows the Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corp. (SLPGC)-operated plant to run at full capacity from May 15, 2017 to May 11, 2021.
The coal producer will be operated at 2×150-megawatt (MW) in Calaca, Batangas.
All generation companies have a mandatory requirement of a COC approval before their full-on operation.
In between its process of consent, SLPGC has started subsidizing revenues to Semirara due to its commendable rates. More so, the company is set to contribute 25 percent more this year to Semirara.
Since its commencement, the SLPGC plant started its operations at 140 MW per unit in line with the agreement with the Provisional Authority to Operate promulgated by the ERC.
Semirara also put out $160 to $190 million for the aging plant’s rehabilitation to be able to operate at full capacity with fewer carbon discharges once the agreement has been settled.
The Consunji Group won the auction for the Calaca plants in July 2009 with its bid of $362 million.
The plant is currently operating at 500 MW nominal capacity and is directed to run up to 600 MW.
SLPGC is also set to have another expansion as a product of a joint venture between Semirara and Meralco Powergen Corp.— a 2×350 MW coal-fired power plant under St. Raphael Power Generation Corp. This project will also be done with a third partner, Japan’s Marubeni Corp., which will take in 20 percent of the total income.
ERC’s COC is also responsible for the approval of numerous government agencies including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
