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Planning a Small Hydropower Scheme

The definitive project or scheme comes as the result of a complex and iterative process, where consideration is given to the environmental impact and different technological options. These are then costed and an economic evaluation carried out.

Additionally, in the Philippines, the process must meet the requirements of government regulations regarding implementation of new hydro sites. The two relevant pieces of legislation are the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Renewable Energy Law, RA 9513 and RA 7156, An Act Granting Incentives to Mini-Hydro-Electric Power Developers and for Other Purposes.

It is necessary to secure the two (2) stages of contract with the Department of Energy (DOE), viz: stage 01, the Hydropower Pre-Development Service Contract (PDSC) and stage 02, the Hydropower Operating Service Contract from the Department of Energy (DOE) in order to qualify for all of the available incentives.

This involves reporting on an initial feasibility study that is then followed by a detailed analysis of the project, including the following steps:

1.Topographic Survey

Conduct feasibility level topographic survey for the ground contours for dam, headrace, and power plant sites including river cross-sections and profiling work.

2. Geologic & Geotechnical Investigation

Conduct feasibility level geologic and geotechnical investigations to establish soil and rock characteristics, earthquake magnitude and frequency and structural stability for structure's design. Methodology will include rock sampling, test pittings, laboratory analysis, mathematical analysis and interpretation.

3. Social-Environment Investigation & Surveys

Conduct sampling and interviews on social acceptability, area’s baseline flora and fauna survey and analysis of impacts and mitigation measures including social surveys on Indigenous People in the area.

4. Hydrologic Investigation and Analysis

Establish vertical staff gaging station and conduct daily flow measurement and analysis
by use of a flow meter, & take gage heights readings of flows. Prepare Q-H discharge-gage height) flow measurement curve. Calibrate the gaging station for about a month. Take daily gage readings for majority duration of the FS. Also conduct mathematical statistical modeling using established methods of hydrology and correlate resulting values to those gathered at the field.

5. Hydraulic Study

Conduct water level analysis at normal and flood conditions using non-uniform flow computations.

6. Power Supply & Demand Study

Determine present power supply in the area, past and current demand of power and prepare forecast of energy demand based on data available at government Electrification Administration (NEA), Power Corporation (NPC) and local Electric Cooperative.

7. Outline design of Plant Facilities

Based on the inputs from the conduct of topographic survey, geologic study hydrologic study, power market study and facilities evaluation, prepare the scheme of development of the power systems including preliminary and concept design of the various facilities such as the weir, mechanical gates turbines, power house and sub-station including the coordination of equipment fabrication with local and foreign based manufacturers and suppliers.

8. Cost estimates

Conduct unit pricing analysis, bill of quantities and prepare cost estimates of the entire mini-hydro development.

9. Financial / Economic Viability Study

Conduct economic and financial viability studies such as generation / production cost analysis, benefit - cost analysis, financial and economic internal rate of return analysis.

10. Packaging and Submittal of FS reports

Additional work and certification is required for the following:

  1. Municipal Resolution Endorsing Proponent For the Development of the Project. This involves drafting of and presentation of resolutions to the Municipal council and the Mayor. Upon passage of the resolution, the Company will receive a Mayor’s letter of no objection to the project.
  2. Preparation of documentation to secure of DOE Pre-development Service Contract (PDSC) and assistance in follow up
  3. Water Rights from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB). Applications will present the case for the projects to acquire the necessary approvals for rights to use the river water to support the mini-hydro stations.
  4. National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) Certification involves public hearings related to getting approval for the project construction.
  5. Preparation of Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and other documentation needed to apply for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), which involves applications and attendance at public meetings and hearings to obtain approval for the projects.
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