The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding the two-phase project which has already identified over 80 potential micro-hydro sites in phase one, and conducted reconnaissance surveys over 50 of them in the northern Luzon province.
Phase two involved a reconfirmation survey and the preliminary design of 20 JICA-endorsed sites that would cost US$12 million to develop.
GHD’s Manny Mendoza said, “These micro-hydro stations, with a capacity range of just four to 100 kilowatts, can be sited on small rivers and are simple to install and operate. An important part of our work will be to educate each community about the systems and to check if they are willing and capable of operating and maintaining the equipment, and paying for the electricity.”
JICA has recommended to the Philippines Department of Energy that initially 14 of the endorsed sites should be developed.
