AboitizPower inaugurates Davao baseload power plant

Aboitiz Power Corp. has inaugurated its 300 MW baseload power plant in Davao City, Mindanao. The plant is viewed by many as an important long-term solution to the Mindanao power supply problem, and it currently supplies baseload power to more than 20 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities in Mindanao.

The power plant uses circulating fluidized bed (CFB) combustion technology, which minimises emissions and ensures that the power plant meets Philippine Clean Air Act standards. It houses the country’s first coal dome, which provides a safe and efficient way to store coal fuel.

During the launch ceremony at the power plant site, which is located in Brgy. Binugao, Toril district, AboitizPower CEO Erramon I. Aboitiz said that the project forms part of the company’s commitment to support the growth of Mindanao and indicates the positive impact of government reforms in the energy sector.

“Following the project’s groundbreaking and construction, other private power producers have started to invest in Mindanao and we hope their entry in the next couple of years will eventually lead to a steady and reliable supply of power in this region,” Mr. Aboitiz said. “For us, this is a strong indication that EPIRA is indeed working and has allowed private investments to come in and help Mindanao secure its power needs. EPIRA has positively transformed our power industry from a monopolised, politicised, and heavily subsidised structure into one that is competitive.”

The first unit of the power plant started commercial operations in September 2015 while the second unit is undergoing reliability tests and will be in full commercial operations by February 2016.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/15012016/aboitizpower-inaugurates-davao-baseload-power-plant-1918/