Power Beacon Renewable Solutions Inc. has started the construction of a P750-million hydropower project, which will deliver 4.15 megawatt (MW) of additional capacity in some municipalities in Pangasinan.
Once operational by December 2024, the hydro power plant 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,” said Beacon Chairman Armando L. Diaz.
The Dipalo hydropower project will utilize the waters of the Dipalo River by means of a diversion weir in the mountains while allowing significant volume to flow over the weir to assure the ecological sustainability of the river.
Power Beacon said 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. After doing its work in turbines, the water utilized is coursed back to the Dipalo River Park and the irrigation facility of the National Irrigation Administration.
Europe’s best engineering and manufacturer of hydro components, Global Hydro Energy GmbH of Austria, will supply the two vertical Pelton turbines, including the integration of main equipment and auxiliaries.
At full load, the two turbines will churn out a total capacity of 4.15MW.
The hydropower plant will be connected to Pangasinan Electric Cooperative III for distribution to the consumers.
