Ahunan Power Inc., led by Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., has mapped out an P80-million Integrated Watershed Management Plan for its $5-billion, 1,400-megawatt pumped storage hydro project in Pakil, Laguna.
The plan, which aims for watershed and forest conservation, protection and water management, was submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Calabarzon.
The plan, or IWMP, was developed through extensive consultations with local government officials, the DENR and other stakeholders. It outlines strategies to sustainably manage the Pakil River and Malaking Ilog-Tibag watersheds.
Expected to be one of the largest facilities of its kind in Asia, the Pakil pumped storage hydro project is slated to begin operations in 2030 and provide electricity to 2.3 million households.
An assessment found that the two sub watersheds are “highly susceptible to rain-induced landslide and soil erosion,” while low-lying areas near Laguna de Bay are “susceptible to flooding.”
To address these vulnerabilities, Ahunan’s plan includes strategies to enhance ecological resilience and support community development.
These strategies include reforestation, agroforestry, establishing a nursery and arboretum, and watershed protection. The company will also launch a multi-stakeholder campaign to raise awareness and promote stewardship of natural resources.
“Ahunan approaches renewable energy development with a commitment to protect and preserve the vital ecosystems surrounding the Pakil River and Malaking Ilog-Tibag watersheds to ensure a sustainable future for the communities we serve,” the company said.
The Ahunan pumped storage project will help the national government reach its goal of having renewable energy make up 50 percent of the power generation mix by 2040. The project is estimated to help displace about 3.1 million tons of coal annually.
The Department of Energy has certified the project as an Energy Project of National Significance. It also received a Green Lane endorsement from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Board of Investments.
The DOE also awarded the project as one of the winning bidders during the Green Energy Auction 3.
