DMCI Power Corp. has proposed to construct another 15-megawatt (MW) circulating fluidized bed coal-biomass fired power plant in this town to meet Palawan’s rising energy demand.
The company disclosed in its submission to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that the proposed facility will be built beside its existing 15-MW coal-biomass power plant in Narra.
The new project, estimated to cost ₱3 billion, forms part of DMCI Power’s contractual obligations with the Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO).
“Without power supply buffer, this concern tends to worsen during the scheduled shutdown of the IPPs as part of the operational maintenance causing rotational brownouts,” the company said in its project description.
“To help address the power supply challenges and ensure its full compliance with its contractual obligation with PALECO, DPC has to expeditiously undertake the construction and operation of this additional 15-MW Coal-Biomass project in Narra, Palawan,” it added.
DMCI Power said the expansion aims to stabilize the island’s power supply and enhance Palawan’s energy security to meet the growing demand from PALECO’s member-consumer-owners.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has backed the project, granting DMCI Power a Certificate of Confirmation of Exemption from the national coal moratorium on May 31, 2024, and a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CENS No. 2024-08-0034) on Aug. 19, 2024.
DMCI Power began operating in Palawan in 2013. It currently runs diesel plants in Puerto Princesa, Brooke’s Point, and Quezon, as well as bunker-fired plants in Aborlan and a coal-biomass plant in Narra.
