PNOC-Renewables Corp. (PNOC RC) and H&WB Asia Pacific (Pte. Ltd.) Corp. are working on to develop the first tidal-energy project in the country.
The ocean-power project, which will utilize Tidal In-stream Energy Conversion (Tisec) technology, will be located in H&WB’s three concession areas in San Bernardino Strait between Matnog in the province of Sorsogon, and Capul and Dalupiri in Northern Samar.
H&WB had earlier performed ocean-resource assessment to determine the overall energy potential of San Bernardino Strait. It also carried out a thorough review and analysis of Tisec technologies.
H&WB has tapped Sabella SAS of France as the technology provider.
The islands of Capul and San Antonio in San Bernardino Strait are in the Small Power Utilities Group fueled by diesel-power plants. Connection to electricity is limited, especially in Capul, where its islanders have electricity for only six hours a day.
H&WB wants to deploy tidal power, because it is a green and cost-competitive alternative to fossil energies, and guarantees clean-power supply.
“Sabella and H&WB have recently completed a detailed in situ bathymetry measurement, to move toward a full 3D current numerical model in order to locate the first demonstration project, which will consist of three to five turbines,” H&WB said.
Sabella and H&WB will put up a special-purpose company (SPC) within the first half of the year to commence project finance and engineering works, thereby launching the first-ever Tisec power not only in the Philippines, but in Asean, as well.
“PNOC-RC’s role is vital, and the MOU with H&WB and Sabella is a proactive strategy that can support the project’s success, more so, when PNOC-RC decides to invest into the SPC. With PNOC-RC, the promise of a new field of ocean energies can be realized in the Philippines,” H&WB said. Lenie Lectura