The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has scheduled for August 28, 2025, the public scoping for a proposed 56 megawatts (MW) gas turbine power plant expansion in Sangali, Zamboanga City.
In a notice posted at the website of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), project developer Malita Power Inc. said it will present an overview of the proposed P3.2-billion facility expansion to Zamboanga City officials and community representatives, and discuss issues, concerns and other relevant information with them, on August 28.
Malita Power, an affiliate of the San Miguel Corporation, said the project will resolve voltage stability issues currently experienced in Zamboanga Peninsula.
“The majority of the power consumption in Zamboanga Peninsula is supplied through the Balo-i- Aurora and Balo-i-Agus 5-Aurora 138 kilovolt lines. These transmission lines are critically loaded… The project provides a reliable transmission network for Zamboanga Peninsula to achieve continuous normal grid operation in the area,” the company said in the notice on the EMB website.
Northwestern Mindanao has been experiencing voltage difficulties triggered by the lack of local power generators in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Malita Power said.
“Under the circumstances, voltage levels should be managed to maintain the normal operation of the grid. Further, the Zamboanga Peninsula is prone to operational stability issues due to a long and radial transmission line,” the company added.
Malita Power’s proposed project will improve power supply delivery and voltage stability, and augment the supply of reliable and affordable power in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the company said.
“The construction and operation of the power plant can generate tax revenue for local and national governments. This revenue can be used to fund infrastructure projects, social programs, and other government initiatives. In terms of social benefits, the proposed project can increase the basic social services through the implementation of social development programs responsive to the local needs of the impact area,” the company added.
Malita Power said it has proposed to upgrade its existing 28-MW power plant in the area to 56 MW by adding another 28-MW modular gas turbine power plant unit fueled with diesel oil.
Depending on supply availability in the future, the power plant can also utilize liquefied natural gas as its fuel, Malita Power said.
The expansion facility will occupy an area of 14,212 square meters from the previous 10,000 square meters, the company said.
Malita Power said it will require 100 employees during the project’s construction phase and 30 during its operations phase.
