The Procedure, Requirements and Project Cycle in Mini-Hydropower Development in the Philippines
Last January 2006, we were invited to attend a conference/seminar about mini-hydropower experiences and its development in the Philippines. Speakers discussed lots of things and issues about this kind of power generation, including the requirements and time line for a green field project development.
Lately, I found a good reference/guide for mini-hydro project development published by the Department of Energy (DOE) itself. It provides a more comprehensive mini-hydropower project cycle, in the Philippine Setting, of course. It is tabulated below.
| Step | Time Required | Remarks |
| 1. Identify potential site/s |
Consult DOE, NEA, NPC and NIA lists, project profiles or own investigation (LGU’s) |
|
2. Apply for non-exclusive reconnaissance permit |
Minimum of 2 weeks |
Application to DOE: privileges / rights to study the area. |
| 3. Conduct reconnaissance study |
minimum of 3 months and maximum of 1 year including conduct of FS |
Contract foreign or local consultants or use own technical capabilities |
| 4. Submit reconnaissance report to DOE |
DOE evaluates submitted report and informs the developer of the results |
|
| 5. If site looks feasible, conduct feasibility study (FS) |
Contract foreign or local consultants or use own technical capabilities |
|
| 6. Apply for Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) |
minimum of 6 months | Application with DENR. note: EIS or IEE are basic requirements |
| 7. Apply for Water Rights Permit | Application with NWRB. note: ECC is a requirement |
|
| 8. Negotiate PPA with NPC or electric cooperatives |
||
| 9. Land acquisition | with concerned land owners | |
| 10. Finalize financing plan | Apply for concessionary loans from donor or financial assistance packages from financial institutions |
|
| 11. LGU endorsement | with concerned local government unit |
|
| 12. Apply for operating contract and accreditation as PSGF |
Application to DOE: DOE evaluates and checks all the necessary documents |
|
| 13. Tender for construction and installation works and evaluate bids; negotiate and sign contracts |
3 months | Individual tenders for civil construction, electrical works, and electro-mechanical equipment supply, or turn-key project |
| 14. Scheme construction | minimum of 9 months | Submission of quarterly progress report to DOE |
| 15 Commissioning and test runs | 3 months | In the presence of electricity inspector and experts in mini-hydropower development |
| Total time required | minimum of 24 months |
Well, a two years for a development of new mini-hydropower plant is just the shortest possible time. And most of the time, base from most developers’ experience, this timeline is seldomly met.
Filed in: Hydro
Local date: December, 2008
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