SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) and the municipal governments of Aguinaldo, Lagawe and Mayoyao signed a framework agreement on the proposed Alimit Hydropower Complex to be located in Ifugao province.
The agreement outlines the cooperation, collaboration and obligations between and among SNAP as project proponent and the municipalities as hosts during the development and operation phase of the project, which is undergoing permitting and further feasibility studies. It was signed on October 4.
The project is composed of the 20-megawatt Ollilicon and the 120-MW Alimit hydroelectric power plants. The technical studies for the third component, the 250-MW Alimit Pumped Storage, have been temporarily suspended due to market constraints. SNAP was issued the renewable energy service contract for the project in 2014. The signed agreement brings the renewable energy company and Ifugao a step toward building the first hydropower facility in the province.
“It took us four years to achieve this milestone. What we are trying to build here are a partnership and a relationship with our stakeholders. We can achieve these,” SNAP President and CEO Joseph Yu said. “If we are all willing to commit, we have a better chance of succeeding.”
Ifugao Gov. Pedro G. Mayam-o emphasized the need to develop Ifugao’s rich natural resources with a responsible partner, citing the province’s lack of industries to power its economy.
“Water is a resource we are rich with. We have a very good and sincere company to help us develop this so we can benefit from it,” Mayam-o said. He added that the project “will increase power supply, improve irrigation system, add taxes and raise employment opportunities.”
Guided by the principles of “voluntariness, collectivity, generosity, preservation of relationships and unity, and empowerment,” the parties have developed the agreement to operationalize the Alimit Complex’s completion and to realize the socioeconomic programs that come with it, aimed mainly to fast-track development and progress in host communities.
SNAP, developer and operator of 100-percent renewable energy facilities, is a joint venture of SN Power of Norway and AboitizPower. It owns and operates the 380-MW Magat hydro on the border of Isabela and Ifugao; the 8.5-MW Maris hydro in Isabela; the 105-MW Ambuklao hydro in Benguet; and the 140-MW Binga hydro also in Benguet.
Representing Ifugao in the signing were Mayam-o, Peter Pinalgan from the Office of the Vice Governor, Aguinaldo Mayor Gaspar Chilagan Jr., Lagawe Mayor Martin Habawel Jr., Mayoyao Mayor Ronie Lumayna, members of the municipal council, councils of directly affected barangays and officers and members of indigenous peoples’ groups.
SNAP was represented by its President and CEO Joseph Yu, Chief Business Development Officer Kjell Valdal, Chief Corporate Services Officer Michael Hosillos and members of the business development and community relations teams.