The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said 379 existing irrigation systems and future irrigation projects as well as dams can potentially host power generation projects.
NIA said these sites can cater to floating solar and hydroelectric power projects by the private sector provided these do not cause obstruction to the delivery of irrigation water.
It said unlike land-based installations, floating solar projects have less environmental impact during construction.
NIA added these also involve minimal use of heavy equipment and prevent the conversion of agricultural lands while providing income to the government and additional power supply.
Floating solar panels reduce the amount of water lost due to evaporation which becomes particularly useful in times of drought and El Niño.
The agency also assured panels will be intentionally spaced-out so there is enough sunlight to filter through for fish and other organisms to grow.
The use of NIA facilities for power generation is allowed under the law as the Presidential Decree No. 552 Section 2C.
Among the potential sites for hydropower development cited by the agency, four are operational: the 8.5 megawatts (MW) MARIS main (South) canal hydroelectric power in Isabela; the 1 MW Rizal hydropower plant in Nueva Ecija; the 1 MW Bulanao mini-hydropower plant in Kalinga; and the 500 kilowatt Marbel 1 MHPP in South Cotabato.
Last March, NIA signed five memoranda of understanding with three power generation firms for the development of projects located in irrigation facilities.
Three will be undertaken by Renewable Development for Sustainable Growth Corp. in various parts of Mindanao. The rest are led by SunAsia Energy Inc. and SN Aboitiz Power Magat .