Philippine Energy Dept. OKs hydropower

MANILA, Philippines, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- The Philippine Energy Department announced it issued four contracts for hydropower projects.

Sunset Water and Electric Power Co. will construct an 8-megawatt plant, a 2.3-megawatt plant, a 1.5-megawatt plant and a 1.6-megawatt plant, The Manila Times reported.

The mini-hydro plants are expected to displace an equivalent of 43,000 barrels of oil per year.

"The mini-hydropower projects will contribute to our goal of achieving energy independence by reducing the dependency on imported fuel. More importantly, the projects will utilize a renewable form of energy, therefore giving us benefits through the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions," Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said.

In addition to the four contracts, the Energy Department is expected to award a contract to Gerphil Renewable Energy Inc. for a 0.11-megawatt project.