Another coal plant in Mindanao to rise in Zambo

ENERGY Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Even before Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla warned of a power shortage of up to 900 megawatts next year, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) had already approved a proposal by an independent power producer to build a 118-megawatt coal-fired power plant here.

The $291-million plant would be built by the San Ramon Power Inc. (SRPI).

SRPI had secured a Power Sharing Agreement (PSA) with the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) which had been approved by the ERC.

Zamcelco general manager George Ledesma said the cooperative welcomed the favorable ERC decision.

Under the PSA, SRPI will supply Zamcelco with up to 85 megawatts of power for 25 years once the coal plant starts operating.

SRPI officials said the plant would be finished in five years.

Environment group Panalipdan said the rise of more coal plants in Mindanao would require the planting of more trees.

Ongoing projects include the 645-megawatt coal fired plant called Therma South in Davao City and the 200-megawatt Southern Mindanao Coal Power Station in Maasim, Sarangani. Liza Jocson, Inquirer Mindanao

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