Korean-led firm to put up solar power facility

Korean-led Mirae Asia Energy Corp. is building a P2.4-billion solar photovoltaic power facility that will be able to generate 20 megawatts of electricity for Ilocos Norte.

According to Mirae Asia, its solar project in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, is expected to start producing 30 million kilowatt-hours by 2014.

Mirae Asia, which is composed of local and Korean investors, intends to start the construction of the facility upon the declaration of the project’s commerciality by the Department of Energy. It will take nine to 12 months to complete the project.

The company, which was granted a renewable energy service contract in September this year, has already completed the topographic and geotechnical study of the plant site in Currimao.

It has also conducted an information and education campaign (IEC) with the host local governments on the benefits of the project; secured the concurrence of the host communities in the form of a provincial board resolution; secured an environmental compliance certificate for the power project, and is currently in talks with National Grid Corp. of the Philippines for the transmission service and connection agreements.

In the meantime, the detailed design of the proposed solar facility was already completed while the transmission design is targeted for completion before the end of the year.

According to Mirae Asia, Currimao is being envisioned by the provincial government of Ilocos Norte to become one of the provincial tourist showcases, similar to the wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.

“This will have multiplier effects, generating livelihood in the area and upgrading the quality of life of the people there,” it added.