Sagay City has taken a major step toward renewable energy development with the signing of a P4-million consultancy agreement with Meadowland Developers Inc. (MDI) for the update and upgrade of the feasibility study on the Himogaan River Mini-Hydropower Project, Sept. 13.
Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA), on behalf of the city, while MDI was represented by its president and chief executive officer, Michael Cañete, and head for Design and Planning Aldren Gutang.
The study, to be undertaken over eight months, will validate and build on the 2014 feasibility study that initially projected a 4.0-megawatt capacity, the city said in a press release Sept. 16.
It will also explore the possibility of increasing the plant’s capacity for greater power output and profitability.
The consultancy work will cover updated topographic and hydrological surveys, flood flow analysis, hydraulic and structural design reviews, as well as new cost estimates and financial studies.
These updates are necessary to meet the requirements of the Department of Energy (DOE) for final approval and eventual implementation of the project.
Cueva welcomed the partnership as a step toward securing Sagay’s sustainable energy future. He said he sees it as an opportunity for the city to maximize the Himogaan River’s potential for clean, renewable energy.
“It is our responsibility to pursue projects that not only address the city’s energy needs but also contribute to environmental protection and long-term economic growth,” he said.
The Himogaan River project, first granted a Hydropower Service Contract by the DOE in 2014, has faced delays in implementation.
With this renewed effort, the city hopes to move closer to actual construction and operation of a mini-hydropower facility that could provide both clean energy and economic benefits to Sagaynons.
Also present during the signing were Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., City Administrator Engr. Rodnel de los Reyes, Economic and Enterprise Management Office head Atty. Ryan Bonghanoy, City Engineer Jezreel Alingco, and Edward Balinario of the City Planning and Development Office. ||
