DAVAO CITY, Sept. 17 (PNA) — AboitizPower has declared full commercial operations for the first of two 150-MW unit of its Therma South Energy Project in Davao City starting Friday.
The power plant will deliver contracted power to its more than 20 customers – electric cooperatives and distribution utilities all over Mindanao.
“We have informed our customers and our stakeholders that we will soon be on full commercial operations and will supply Mindanao with reliable and cost-effective baseload power,” Therma South Inc. president and COO Benjamin A. Cariaso, Jr. said.
“We are here not only to help Mindanao solve the current power crisis. The Aboitiz group is committed to helping Mindanao sustain its economic growth and finally fulfill its potential,” Cariaso added.
The second 150-MW unit is scheduled for commercial operations in early 2016. The power plant started construction in 2012 and, at its peak, employed more than 4,500 workers, mostly from its host communities.
It is the first major power plant added to the Mindanao grid since 2006.
The power plant also features the first “coal dome” in Southeast Asia – a modern coal storage facility that will ensure security of the fuel and safety and well-being of the surrounding areas. It will utilize circulating fluidized bed (CFB) technology to ensure it meets government standards on health, safety and protection of the environment while operating in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
The power plant will supply power to major cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Gen. Santos, Butuan, Kidapawan, Cotabato and Tagum. It will also serve the provinces of Davao, Caraga, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, parts of Bukidnon, parts of Misamis and parts of Zamboanga peninsula. (PNA)