The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said 183 sites are in the pipeline for the development and construction of solar-powered irrigation (SPI) projects next year.
These projects cost P1.72 billion.
In a statement, NIA said the 183 SPI projects are capable of irrigating 2,168 hectares of new areas.
NIA added next year’s target is higher compared to the 147 potential SPI projects set for this year with a total project cost of P1.64 billion.
NIA said as of September 15, only 17 of the 147 target SPI projects for 2023 have been completed. These cost P117.36 million.
These projects provide irrigation to 830 hectares of agricultural land nationwide, benefitting 801 farmers.
NIA said it strives to utilize the full potential of its irrigation facilities, dams and reservoirs for agro-tourism, aquaculture and renewable energy sources.
NIA earlier signed a memorandum of agreement with the PPP Center on a partnership that will maximize technical services and capacity-building for the utilization of public-private partnership (PPP) modalities for irrigation projects.
NIA earlier said at least 50 potential projects have been identified for PPP with seven revenue streams including hydroelectric power, solar power, aquaculture, wind energy, bulk water supply, water treatment and carbon credits. – Jed Macapagal
