Developer eyes solar power plant in Batac

By Dominic B. dela Cruz (Staff Reporter)

City of Batac—Mayor Albert D. Chua recently confirmed that a developer has approached the city government to put up a large-scale solar power plant at Brgys. Camandingan, San Pedro and Biningan in this city.

In view of this, Chua endorsed the letter of intent submitted by Apolaki One, Inc. to the Sangguniang Panlungsod here for evaluation and deliberation. He added that the city council will also verify whether the mentioned barangays are incorporated in the city’s 10-year development plan of the city as some areas of those barangays can be water sources and tourist destinations.

Chua added that the proposed power plant is a lengthy project that needs thorough study as well as the approval of the Dept. of Energy, Dept. Environment and Natural Resources and other national agencies. The mayor also said that it will also require resolutions from the identified barangays and the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The mayor disclosed that the developer has already paid him a courtesy call. During the said visit, the developer presented the initial perspective of the project to the mayor. Chua, though, clarified that there were still some presentations that were not clear for him.

Chua stressed that he is in favor of the project as it will give additional employment opportunities as well as added energy and excise tax to the city. He also noted that the city will then have its own renewable energy source and may reduce their electricity bills.

Meanwhile, Batac Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Windel D. Chua revealed that this kind of project will need the approval and endorsement by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The vice mayor said the project is “laudable because it gives renewable energy and environment-friendly, however, it affects the agriculture and forestry”.

“Ket no napintas to met dagidiay mai presentar intono mapaayaban da ket kanunungan tayo ta pagsayaatan met iti kaadwan,” Chua explained.

The vice mayor revealed that he learned that Brgys. Camandingan and San Pedro have the least agricultural land but they have more forest and mountains lands. 

The Ilocos Times learned that the three barangays mentioned have already passed resolutions interposing no objection to the said project. They expect the project to increase economic activity in their areas and that the revenue that the project will generate will rebound to the community’s benefit.

The three barangays also mentioned that the project will employ their constituents during the construction and implementation of the project and touted the economic benefits that the construction and local employment will bring to the entire barangay. 

The project has an estimated potential capacity of more or less 192 megawatts solar PV power plant and supply solar power for a period of 25 years thru the national grid with an initial 240 hectares of land to build the project.

The plant will connect directly to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) upcoming Pinili sub-station at 230 kV subject to the result and approval of the system impact study.