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Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Mini-hydropower eyed in Sarangani
MAITUM, Sarangani -- Kalaong River has a mini-hydropower potential of about 2 megawatts (MW), almost enough to energize the adjacent coastal towns of Maitum, Kiamba and Maasim.
This was the initial finding of an evaluation team from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) from Manila, which inspected mini-hydro sites in Sarangani on September 26 to 28.
"(Kalaong River) can generate around two megawatts," said Epifanio Gacusan Jr., senior science research specialist of DOE, adding he would carry out further data analysis.
With Gacusan was DBP executive Rustico Noli Cruz, who disclosed that the bank is ready to finance the project "when the evaluation proves that it is feasible".
The South Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Socoteco 2) currently supplies 2.5 MW to the three towns.
Governor Miguel Dominguez has asked DOE Director for Mindanao Manuel Llaneza, who was on official visit at the Capitol last week, to do a feasibility study on mini-hydro projects in Sarangani.
Llaneza said he appreciated the governor's effort in offering solutions to the country's growing energy problems.
"We are pushing for the development of more renewable energy sources like water," Llaneza said.
Llaneza disclosed that there was a study conducted about Kalaong River two years ago. Now, the department has seen the need to tap mini-hydropower resources to reduce dependence on imported fuels.
The mini-hydro project can be realized in two to three years after the project design and actual construction can begin.
"It's welcome news that the Department of Energy visited Kalaong River, a potential power source for Sarangani," Maitum Mayor George Yabes noted.
Kalaong River's water discharge varies from seven cubic meters per second during summer (March) to 21 cubic meters per second from June to August.
The 38-kilometer river traverses barangays Batian, Upo, Kalaneg, Mabay, and Kalaong. It has an average width of 60 meters and an average water discharge of 14 cubic meters per second. (Sarangani Information Office)
(October 3, 2005 issue)
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