RNHC to build hydro power plant in Isabela
By Lenie Lectura – October 17, 2018
from Business Mirror
RIO Norte Hydropower Corp. (RNHC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp., will develop a 19.7-megawatt run-of-river (ROR) hydropower project along the Ilaguen River in Isabela.
Located in Barangay San Miguel, Echague, RNHC’s hydro project is expected to supply 85 million kilowatts of energy per year to the cities of Cauayan and Santiago and the municipalities of Alicia, Angadanan, Cabatuan, Cordon, Echague, Jones, Luna, Ramon, Reina Mercedes, San Agustin, San Guillermo, San Isidro and San Mateo.
RNHC said it signed a memorandum of agreement with the local officials of Isabela province and Echague municipality. RNHC’s officers, led by EVP Manolo Candelaria, met with Echague Municipal Mayor Francis Dy, Isabela Provincial Gov. Faustino Dy III, and San Miguel Barangay Captain Efren Santiago to seal the project.
“This hydro project is a welcome development in our municipality as it is expected to bring down the cost of electricity for my constituents, as well as generate a host of beneficial programs,” Dy said.
RNHC Vice President for Legal and Government Affairs Clarence Jandoc said run-of-river power generation is considered one of the most environment-friendly energy methods available as it harnesses the natural flow of water to generate electricity. He explained that “it produces nearly no greenhouse emissions.”
RNHC is also undertaking the development of an eco-tourism road and several community programs in the area.
“We will upgrade the existing provincial road from Barangay Mabbayad to Barangay San Miguel into an ‘all-weather road’ that will extend into a municipal road going toward the majestic Ilaguen River,” Jandoc said.
Also, the company will also offer various social development programs in Echague to bring about sustainable livelihood and educational opportunities for the residents.
Host community Barangay San Miguel, meanwhile, expressed its appreciation for the benefits that will accrue to the residents.
“In behalf of the community, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Rio Norte for this additional support,” San Miguel Barangay Captain Efren Santiago said. “The road project will help improve our access to basic services like healthcare, markets, and schools. Once it is complete, we will be able to transport our products to the marketplace faster.”
