Philippines government OK's new project

MANILA, Philippines, June 27 (UPI) -- Three new operating contracts in the Philippines have been approved.

The local Department of Energy approved the contracts for Sunwest Water and Electric Power Co. Inc. to develop three mini-hydro electric power plants in the island province of Catanduanes.

"This latest contract signing between the Department of Energy and SUWECO will help stabilize the supply of electricity in Catanduanes. The mini-hydropower projects will contribute to our goal of achieving energy independence by reducing the dependency on imported fuel," said Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes.

The three mini-hydroelectric power projects in Catanduanes include the 2.3-megawatt Solong Mini-Hydropower Project, the 1.5-megawatt Hitoma 1 and the 1.6-megawatt Hitoma 2 Mini-Hydropower Project.

The operating contract signing was done at the office of Reyes and witnessed by Energy Department Undersecretary Ramon Santos, Director Mario Marasigan, SUWECO President Jose Silvestre Natividad and First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative President Fidelito Soledad.

With the signing of the contracts, SUWECO will soon begin developing the mini-hydro projects with a total capacity of 5.5 megawatts.