BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Feb 21(PIA) — A hydro power project is expected to be constructed this year through the Cagayan Valley power firm SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP Group) and De La Salle University’s Center for Micro-Hydro Technology for Rural Electrification (DLSU-CeMTRE) to provide power to communities at a lesser cost.

Once established and completed, the P2.6 million to P3.5 million pico hydro power project will address the demand for electricity among the villagers of Barangay Pina in Calanasan town in Apayao province where most of the communities rely on the power given by the neighboring province of Cagayan.

A pico hydro project generates electricity of less than 5 kilowatts and is generally used in remote communities that need only a small amount of power.

Through the MOA, SNAP, through its Greenfield Development team and CeMTRE teams will undertake site investigations, conduct feasibility studies, and design, manufacture and install pico hydro projects in prospect areas.

The project funding will be shared jointly by SNAP through its Corporate Social Responsibility program and DLSU.

“Our Greenfield Development team has identified specific projects and watersheds which have good potential for hydro development.

Through this, we hope to provide a model for other small but sustainable hydro projects,” SNAP Group President Emmanuel V. Rubio said in an emailed statement during the MOA signing last February 15 at DLSU.

SNAP owns and operates the 360-megawatt (MW) Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP) located on the border of Isabela and Ifugao, and the 105-MW Ambuklao and 125-MW Binga HEPPs in Benguet province. It is a joint venture between SN Power of Norway and AboitizPower.

“I hope between our partnership we will be able to create shared value not only for both of our institutions but for the communities we try to serve,” Bro. Ricardo P. Laguda, De La Salle University President also said.

DLSU-CeMTRE aims to drive research and development on micro-hydro technologies in the country as well as provide assistance in manpower training.