The country is set to have additional power capacity from a hydro power source as local renewable energy developer Power Beacon Renewable Solutions Inc. starts constructing its P750-million project in Pangasinan.
The 4.15 megawatts (MW) Dipalo run-of-river hydropower project located in Barangay Nangapugan, San Quintin is set to be operational by December 2024.
This is expected to generate 18.87 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually and will meet the increasing need for energy of the municipalities of San Quintin, Umingan, Tayug and Natividad.
“The project shall be the first major industry in easternmost part of Pangasinan and will generate renewable and clean energy geared towards improving the lives of the people of San Quintin in support of the thrust of the local government unit,” Armando Diaz, Power Beacon chairman, said in a statement.
The Dipalo hydropower project will utilize the waters of the Dipalo River through a diversion weir located high up in the mountains, while allowing significant volume to flow over the weir to assure the ecological sustainability of the river.
The difference in elevation of the diversion weir and powerhouse measured at approximately 210 meters will serve as the driving force that will turn the turbines that are coupled to electric generators.
The process converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and after doing its work in turbines, the water utilized is coursed back to the Dipalo River Park and the National Irrigation Administration’s facility.
The power plant will also be connected to Pangasinan III Electric Cooperative for distribution to consumers.
Data from the Department of Energy showed that as of end-2020, the country’s total hydro power installed generating capacity is at 3,779 MW or 14 percent of the entire power mix. – Jed Macapagal
