AP to add some 500MW of capacity in 2018

ABOITIZPOWER is set to add some 500 megawatts (MW) of attributable capacity in 2018, coming from the completion of several hydro and baseload plants in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

In a briefing to analysts last Tuesday, AboitizPower President and COO Antonio R. Moraza said the projects are on track and should be mostly online in the first half of 2018.

“The entry of these plants will significantly support the country’s energy reserves and will show that the Philippines is open for business and investments,” Moraza said.

“We have one of the most diversified portfolios in the country and we continue to be on the lookout for opportunities to push our balanced mix strategy,” he added.

Meanwhile, Moraza said AboitizPower expects to be able to make a final decision within the year on its Aseagas biomass power plant facility in Batangas that is currently under extended shutdown.

“We are currently continuing our technical evaluation, and a write-off is a possibility,” Moraza said.

AboitizPower with its partner SN Power recently completed construction of the 8.5MW Maris Canal hydro project in Isabela, while whollyowned subsidiary Hedcor is wrapping up construction of a 68.8MW hydro plant in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

The company is also completing the 340MW Therma Visayas baseload power plant in Toledo City, Cebu and the 400MW Pagbilao 3 baseload power plant in Quezon.

Aseagas disclosed last Monday that it prepaid its outstanding loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in the amount of P2.368 billion. The company also has invested equity of around P950 million for the biomass plant and has around P460 million in outstanding liabilities.