Luzon power supply boosted

The environment-friendly power generation facility will augment power supply in Luzon.

The 500-megawatt (MW) supercritical coal-fired power plant of San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co. in Mauban, Quezon. (Alvin Elchico)

The commercial operations of the 500-megawatt (MW) supercritical coal-fired power plant of San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co. (SBPL) will help in the country’s journey towards energy security, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday.

“Let me express my congratulations to the San Buenaventura Power Company for their taking this crucial step in our collective journey towards energy security,” Duterte said during SBPL’s switch-on of the Philippines most advanced coal power plant that will boost Luzon’s supply with 500 MW.

The evening celebration, held at the Grand Hyatt Manila, BGC, Taguig City, was attended by top officials from the goverment and private sector led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi; Senator Bong Go; officials and employees of Meralco led by Chairman Manuel Pangilinan; Meralco PowerGen President and CEO Rogelio Singson; Electricity Generating [Public] Company of Thailand Senior Vice President Danuja Simasathien; and members of the diplomatic corps.

“I am truly pleased that this participation has led to the construction of this environment-friendly power generation facility which will not only help in the development of our communities in Mauban, Quezon, but more importantly, augment the current level [of] power supply in Luzon,” said Duterte.

“I am pleased that the 500 megawatts of power that this power plant will supply to the Luzon grid will be the product of the state-of-the-art ‘supercritical technology’ that will ensure increased efficiency while minimizing toxic emissions that can harm the environment,” he added

The Chief Executive said the success of this facility will serve as a testament to the vast potential of the private sector to contribute to the [government’s efforts] in addressing deficiencies in energy generation and distribution across the country.

“As we look forward to the future of power generation in the Philippines with much optimism, let me assure our partners in the private sector that this administration remains committed in harnessing the potential of sustainable [and] renewable energy in driving the growth of our economy,”Duterte said.

“Let me therefore take this opportunity to encourage everyone, especially the people behind San Buenaventura Power, to look especially behind the aspect of power generation. And always keep in mind that beyond profits, your primary objective is to provide reliable and affordable electricity to our people,”he said.

In the same speech, Duterte directied relevant government agencies, especially the [DENR] and the DoE, to remain vigilant in monitoring the compliance of power generation companies with existing laws and regulations.”

“To our friends in the private sector, I ask you to follow the lead of San Buenaventura Power by investing in the generation of clean energy,” the President said.

“With substantial reforms that this administration has instituted in the past three years, I can assure you that you’ll be able to pursue more effective and efficient business strategies as long as you give utmost importance for the protection of our environment and the welfare of your host communities,” he said

“Again, let me thank you for increasing the capacity of our energy sector to meet the growing electricity demand in Luzon. With. your help, I am confident that we can chart a better future for the power industry as we march towards a more sustainable and progressive future. Maraming salamat po,” Duterte said.

Full transcript of President Duterte’s speech:

Let me express my congratulations to the San Buenaventura Power Company for taking this crucial step in our collective journey towards energy security. I am truly pleased that this participation has led to the construction of this environment friendly power generation facility which will not only help in the development of our communities in mauban quezon but more importantly augment the current level of power supply in luzon.

I am pleased that the 500mw of power that this power plant will supply to the luzon grid will be the product of the state of the art super critical technology that will ensure efficiency while minimizing toxic emissions that can harm the environment.

Let the success of this facility serve as a testament to the vast potential to the private sector to contribute to the govt effort in addressing the deficiencies in energy generation and distribution across the country.

As we look forward to the future of power generation in the Philippines with much optimism, let me assure our partners in the private sector that this administration remains committed in harnessing the potential of sustainable, renewable energy in driving the growth of our economy.

Let me therefore take this opportunity to encourage everyone especially the people behind San Buenaventura Power to look especially behind the aspect of power generation. And always keep in mind that beyond profits, your primary objective is to provide reliable and affordable electricity to our people.

I am just directing our relevant government agencies especially the DAR and the DOE to remain vigilant in monitoring the compliance of power generation companies with existing laws and regulations.

To our friends in the private sector, I ask you to follow the lead of San Buenaventura power by investing in the generation of clean energy.

With substantial reforms that this administration has instituted in the past 3 years, I can assure you that you’ll be able to pursue more effective and efficient business strategies As long as you give utmost importance for the protection of our environment and the welfare of your host communities.

Again let me thank you for increasing the capacity of our energy sector to meet the growing electricity demand in Luzon. With your help I am confident that we can chart a better future for the power industry as we march towards a more sustainable and progressive future. Maraming salamat po.