The Department of Energy (DOE) certified SN Aboitiz Power Inc.’s (SNAP) 350 MW Alimit hydropower project and two other renewable energy projects as energy projects of national significance (EPNS).
Aside from Aboitiz’s hydro power project, the 19.7MW Ilaguen hydropower project of Rio Norte Hydro Corp of Filipino firm Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation and the 600 MW Rizal wind energy project of Alternergy Philippine Holdings Corp. were also certified.
With this certification, projects have the benefit of a faster approval process as mandated in Executive Order No. 30 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte in June 2017.
The Energy Investment Coordinating Council (EICC) had been responsible for the approvals of EPNS projects and the final certifications are issued with the signature of DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
But despite the certification perks, there are still projects that cannot move as fast as expected.
According to a Manila Bulletin report, Alimit hydropower project, which is a joint venture between AboitizPower and Norwegian firm SN Power, are anticipated to spend as much as US$1.4 billion capital for the combined installations of 100 MW Alimit plant; the 10 MW Olilicon plant; and the 240 MW Alimit pumped storage facility.
The acquiring of permits for this project has already been on process for four to five years.
Meanwhile, Ilaguen hydropower project will have funding around US$68 million to US$70 million, as said reported.
The project of Rizal Wind Energy Corporation is yet to provide information regarding their planned budget.
