Citicore unit taps Chinese firm for hydropower project

RIO Norte hydropower Corp. (RNHC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Citicore Power Inc., has tapped Chinese firm Xian Electric Engineering Co. Ltd. as its EPC (Engineering, Construction and Procurement) contractor for its 19.7-megawatt (MW) run-of-river hydropower project in Isabela.

The signing of the EPC contract last week marked the start of the full construction of the Ilaguen 3A hydropower project, which is targeted to be on stream by October 2024.

“Moving forward, Citicore and Xian Electric will expand and deepen cooperation, enhance organization and management of the project to ensure steady progress.

I hope this power plant project will be a benchmark of high-quality standard and a success wherein both parties will be proud of their combined achievement, that will be recognized by all of the stakeholders of both companies,” said Citicore Chairman Edgar Saavedra.

The hydropower project will help Citicore achieve its target to produce 1,000MW capacity from renewable energy sources in the next five years.

The run-of-river power generation is considered one of the most environment-friendly energy methods available as it harnesses the natural flow of water to generate electricity.

“We felt honored to be granted the EPC contract. We are optimistic that we will deliver this project with very high standard and carry out the construction as planned to help Citicore and the Philippines’ drive to energy reliability and security,” said Xian Electric Deputy General Manager Liu Zhaohua.

Located in Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela, the hydropower plant project is a welcome development in the community as it expected to bring down the cost of the electricity as well as generate a host of beneficial programs.

This hydropower project is expected to supply 85 million kilowatts of energy per year to the cities of Cauayan and Santiago including the municipalities of Alicia, Angadanan, Cabatuan, Cordon, Echague, Jones, Luna, Ramon, Reina Mercedes, San Agustin, San Guillermo, San Isidro and San Mateo.

Moreover, the company has already undertaken the development of the eco-tourism and farm-tomarket road and several community programs in the area prior to construction.