DMCI Power Corp. is proposing to build an additional 15-megawatt circulating fluidized bed coal-biomass fired power plant in Narra, Palawan. The project is estimated to cost P3 billion and aims to meet the province’s growing power demand.
In its submission to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DMCI Power said the proposed coal-biomass plant will be located adjacent to the existing 15-MW facility in the same area.
The proposed 15-MW plant (Phase 2) is a key component of the company’s contractual obligations with the Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO), which has reported increasing demand surpassing the combined capacity of independent power producers (IPPs) on the island.
“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,” DMCI Power said. “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.”
The company added that the project “will further enhance Palawan’s energy security, thereby, meeting the significantly increasing power demand of its member-consumer-owners (MCOs).”
DMCI Power’s plan to stabilize the energy supply is supported by the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE granted a Certificate of Confirmation of Exemption from the coal moratorium for the project on May 31, 2024, and also issued a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CENS No. 2024-08-0034) on Aug. 19, 2024.
DMCI Power began its power generation operations in Palawan in 2013. It currently operates diesel power plants in the municipalities of Puerto Princesa, Brookes Point, and Quezon, as well as bunker power plants in Aborlan, Palawan, and the existing coal-biomass power plant in Narra, Palawan.
