BACOLOD CITY ? An international hydraulic engineering consultant said Negros Occidental has a very high potential for hydroelectric power that should be tapped.

Bruce Sharp, a director of Burnell Research Laboratory in Australia, said he would gather data on the potential areas for large and mini-hydro electric plants in Negros Occidental and would help the provincial government tap foreign investors for them.

Sharp, who met with Gov. Isidro Zayco Tuesday, said he was conducting studies, which include measuring water volume in potential hydroelectric power sources, at the request of Sagay Mayor Alfredo Marañon Jr., a long time friend.

Zayco said he welcomed the help of Sharp because ?if we can tap our water for hydro power, irrigation and potable water, it would be very good.?

Sharp said seven rivers have the potential for large-scale hydroelectric plants in Negros Occidental. The rivers include Himogaan in Sagay City, Sicaba in Victorias City, Malogo in Silay City, Binalbagan, Ilog-Hilabangan, Sipalay and Talos in Don Salvador Benedicto town.

But he said he would also look at the development of mini-hydro plants that would have the ability to supply up to 150 kilowatts of electricity.