PNOC unit, H&WB partner to develop first tidal-energy project in Philippines

PNOC unit, H&WB partner to develop first tidal-energy project in Philippines

PNOC-Renewables Corp. (PNOC RC) and H&WB Asia Pacific (Pte. Ltd.) Corp. are
working on to develop the first tidal-energy project in the country.

The ocean-power project, which will utilize Tidal In-stream Energy
Conversion (Tisec) technology, will be located in H&WB's three concession
areas in San Bernardino Strait between Matnog in the province of Sorsogon,
and Capul and Dalupiri in Northern Samar.

H&WB had earlier performed ocean-resource assessment to determine the
overall energy potential of San Bernardino Strait. It also carried out a
thorough review and analysis of Tisec technologies.

H&WB has tapped Sabella SAS of France as the technology provider.

The islands of Capul and San Antonio in San Bernardino Strait are in the
Small Power Utilities Group fueled by diesel-power plants. Connection to
electricity is limited, especially in Capul, where its islanders have
electricity for only six hours a day.

H&WB wants to deploy tidal power, because it is a green and cost-competitive
alternative to fossil energies, and guarantees clean-power supply.

"Sabella and H&WB have recently completed a detailed in situ bathymetry
measurement, to move toward a full 3D current numerical model in order to
locate the first demonstration project, which will consist of three to five
turbines," H&WB said.

Sabella and H&WB will put up a special-purpose company (SPC) within the
first half of the year to commence project finance and engineering works,
thereby launching the first-ever Tisec power not only in the Philippines,
but in Asean, as well.

"PNOC-RC's role is vital, and the MOU with H&WB and Sabella is a proactive
strategy that can support the project's success, more so, when PNOC-RC
decides to invest into the SPC. With PNOC-RC, the promise of a new field of
ocean energies can be realized in the Philippines," H&WB said. Lenie Lectura

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/pnoc-unit-hwb-partner-to-develop-first-tida
l-energy-project-in-philippines/

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com