Tabuk eyes solar power plant

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The City of Tabuk is looking at the possibility of the construction of a solar power plant in a bid to give its residents lower priced options for electricity.

According to Tabuk City Mayor Darwin Estrañero, the Sunpower Renewable Energy Corporation is interested in partnering with the city government to put up the proposed solar power plant and are just waiting for endorsement from the members of the Tabuk City Council.

The council endorsement will then be submitted to the Department of Energy (DoE) for approval, then once approved, it will be presented to the city government for the processing of building and business permit.

Sunpower is said to be one of the leading global solar innovators for decades.

Solar energy is a harmless source that has the least negative impact on the environment comparing it to other energy sources as it does not produce greenhouse gases and does not cause water pollution.

Aside from reducing electricity bills, solar power plants are also easy to maintain.

Currently, the city is utilizing a mini-hydro power plant, while the construction of a DoE-approved 15-megawatt Upper Tabuk hydro-power plant is still undergoing Free Prior and Informed Consent to get the nod of the indigenous people of Tabuk.