Aboitiz hydropower firm commences work on P1.7-B Benguet project

Aboitiz Power Corp.’s hydropower unit has started construction work for the P1.7-billion 19-megawatt (MW) Bineng project in Benguet.

Hedcor Inc. broke ground in La Trinidad town last Dec. 5 for an undertaking that would replace its existing three-generator facility with a new one dubbed Bineng Combination hydro project.

Slated for completion in June 2019, the project was approved earlier this year by local authorities in La Trinidad and the barangays of Bineng, Alapang and Alno.

The new Bineng hydro facility is expected to generate 62 million kilowatt-hours yearly.

Aboitiz Power executive director Chris Sangster said in a statement the project was in line with the company’s commitment to inclusive growth.

“Along with the construction of the plant is the benefit to the community,” Sangster said. “We commit to help through our corporate social responsibility, [which is] focused on three core areas—education, enterprise development, and the environment.”

The Bineng facility will add to Hedcor’s portfolio, which currently includes 22 run-on-river hydropower plants located in the provinces of Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, and Davao.