Hybrid power plant in Puerto Princesa set to be completed

By Alena Mae S. Flores – April 10, 2019 at 08:00 pm
from manilastandard.net

Sabang Renewable Energy Corp. is set to complete next month the construction of a hybrid mini-grid system that will provide stable, reliable and renewable energy to support economic growth in Puerto Princesa City.

SREC, a consortium of Vivant Energy Corp., Gigawatt Power Inc., and WEnergy Global,  will operate a hybrid power plant―combining solar panels and diesel engines―and an electric distribution system.

The consortium aims to address the lack of power infrastructure in remote rural areas in the country. Some of these areas rely entirely on generators that are harmful to the environment and expensive in the long run.

Sitio Sabang in Barangay Cabayugan, where the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park is located, is one of these areas.

“We are not merely installing four diesel engines and a 1.4-megawatt peak solar energy system. We’ve been building our own grid from the ground up and erecting electrical poles and cables spanning 14 kilometers since April 2018, “ SREC chairman Emil Garcia in a statement.

The hybrid plant will generate as much as 2.6 MW once it is completed. This will allow the mini-grid to provide power to approximately 10 public buildings, 18 small businesses, 19 hotels and restaurants, and 583 households.

“By combining solar panels and diesel-fueled power generation, SREC will save the environment from over 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide while providing stable and reliable energy that will improve everyday living in Cabayugan,” Garcia said.

He said SREC wanted to provide Sitio Sabang and Barangay Cabayugan with reliable electricity 24/7 at the most competitive rate possible.

“Since we will be the model for future mini-grids in the country, we have spared no expense or effort in ensuring that we give the best service. It’s vital that we uplift the quality of life for our new kababayans,” the official said.