ALSONS Consolidated Resources, Inc. (ACR) launched on Friday construction of a 14.5-megawatt (MW) hydroelectric power plant in Sarangani while marking the inauguration of the second unit of its 210-MW coal-fired power plant in the same province.
“The two power projects that we are showcasing this afternoon represent our own modest contribution in support of the President’s commitment to provide the needed infrastructure for the economic growth and sustainable development of Mindanao and the rest of the country,” ACR President and Chairman Tomas I. Alcantara said in a speech to mark the two milestones.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte attended the two launches. ACR claims to be the first private-sector power generator in Mindanao.
Mr. Alcantara said the projects are in line with the government’s vision of “a Mindanao that enjoys the benefits of power security and the preservation of the environment by employing both traditional thermal baseload power and renewable energy.”
Sarangani Energy Corp.’s $570-million baseload plant began operating its first 105-MW unit in 2016 and started commercial operations for its second 105-MW unit in October this year. The power plant serves more than six million people in 10 provinces and 12 cities in Mindanao, including Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Iligan, Butuan, Digos, Dipolog, and Pagadian.
ACR said the plant is the single largest power investment in Sarangani province and the entire Region 12. Sarangani Energy is majority owned by Alsons Thermal Energy Corp., a partnership between ACR and Global Business Power Corp. Its other shareholder is Japan’s Toyota Tsusho Corp.
The P4.5-billion Siguil hydropower plant is the Alsons power group’s initial entry into renewable energy. It is expected to begin commercial operations in 2022 to power Sarangani province, General Santos City and key municipalities of South Cotabato.
ACR said Siguil hydro will be the first of eight run-of-river hydro power facilities that the group plans to develop in Zamboanga del Norte, other areas in Mindanao, and Negros Occidental in Western Visayas.
The Alcantaras’ power business currently operates four power facilities in Mindanao with a total generating capacity of 468 MW.
On Friday, ACR was 0.82% higher at P1.23. — Victor V. Saulon
