PNOC-RC taps sun, water power

STATE-OWNED Philippine National Oil Co-Renewables Corp. (PNOC-RC) is tapping solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal power as it aims for a total renewable energy (RE) capacity of up to 300 megawatts (MW) by 2018.

Company president Carlos Gatmaitan said irrigation canals, solar rooftop projects in government offices, and remote river-fed areas are being tapped for projects with electricity cooperatives.

According to PNOC-RC data, the company is developing a 1-MW and a 0.5-MW mini-hydro project in Rizal province.

Gatmaitan said the company is also undertaking a hydropower project with the Aboitiz group but did not give more details.

“In this case, we don’t have equity. And there are at least two more projects,” he said.

PNOC-RC had offered projects in Negros Oriental, such as one in Bakuwan town, to interested groups in late 2013 and again in January 2014 but failed to find a partner.

The state firm is also seeking partners for hydropower projects: one in Nalatang, Kabayan, Benguet; one in Dulangan, Baco, Oriental Mindoro; and one project in Kalinga (Pasil B and C in Lubuagan, and Saltan B in Balbalan).

The Nalatang project has a potential installed capacity of 44 MW, whereas the Dulangan has 8.25 MW; Pasil B, 20 MW; Pasil C, 16 MW; and Saltan B, 24 MW.

PNOC-RC also plans to develop a 1-MW power generating capacity by tapping irrigation canals in Nueva Ecija.