By Bernardo B. Ver II
Contributor
LAOAG City—ZAK Green Energy Philippines plans to put-up a mini hydropower plant in Vintar, Ilocos Norte.
The said project is set to generate electricity using water source from the river particularly at Brgy. Canaam in the said town using the modernized ‘diversion type hydro plant’. From the water source, they will use large steel pipes down to the ‘Power House’ where the water turbines are located.
The hydro plant can produce 12 megawatts (MW) of power that can cater to about 10,000 households near it.
Atty. Jingboy Atonen, ZAK’s legal counsel said the project cost is more than PHP1.5 billion. The project’s completion will take up to five years, or in 2024 if it starts this year.
The project’s design officer Engr. Warlito Ramos, meanwhile, assures that there will be no dredging activity in the area.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Atty. Saul Lazo, however said he is worried about the hazardous effects of the said hydro plant, especially to the living organisms on the river and the riparian zone wherein the river channel changes location and patterns of flow. Mr. Lazo added that the said river is one of the food sources of the barangays in Vintar.
Mr. Atonen assured that the company has a commitment in protecting the ecosystem and will help the nearby residents on their needs as part of their corporate social responsibilities (CSR).
The Vintar municipal government, as the beneficiary, in coordination with the Ilocos Norte government are studying the proposal and ensures that the proponent follows all procedures before finalizing the said power project.