Three proposed power plants targeted to generate 362 megawatts could make Negros Occidental self-reliant in the next three years, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said Monday, June 27.
“If that happens the whole province will prosper because we will have available energy at low cost,” Diaz said.
He cited the proposed 300-megawatt Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power plant of Reliance Energy Development Inc., a subsidiary of San Miguel Corp., in San Carlos City, the 32-megawatt hydroelectric power plant of Alson’s Energy in Bago City and the planned 30-megawatt combined solar power and biomass plant in Hinoba-an town by the Zabaleta group.
The Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan granted a Resolution of No Objection on June 14 for the construction and operation of the LNG power plant in San Carlos City.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson in his inaugural speech on Saturday said the provincial government welcomes new investors in the power sector.
Diaz said only the governor can state what the stand of the provincial government will be on the LNG power plant. Environment groups, including San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, are opposed to its construction.
“In so far as I know it is already approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and before that it was approved by the barangays involved and the city government of San Carlos,” Diaz said.
If it has undergone public hearings the provincial government is in no position to oppose it, especially since power supply stability in the province is still something that needs to be worked on, he said.
“Although LNG is considered a fossil fuel technology it is still regarded as one of the cleanest and safest technology,” Diaz said.*