San Roque Hydropower Inc. (SHRI), a unit of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Inc., is pursuing the development of the 400 megawatt San Roque Optimization pumped storage hydro project in Pangasinan.
SRHI, in documents submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said the project involves the construction of a dam located downstream of the NIA Re-regulating pond.
It said the dam will retain the Agno river flow and divert water into a lower storage pond.
It will also involve the construction of a dike, a pump house and access roads.
Construction will involve 100 to 200 workers and engineers.
“The project features of the 400 MW facility highlight its potential for substantial energy production and integration into the existing grid,” SRHI said.
The company said the project aims to address the need for additional renewable energy capacity and support the Philippines energy sufficiency plan by 2030.
It said PSH projects can cater to peak demand, providing cost-effective energy during periods of high consumption.
“The integration of pumped storage hydro as a grid-balancing solution is essential for the Philippines as it increases its solar and wind capacity through the Green Energy Auction Program,” SRHI said.
It said PSH offers significant advances, including the ability to storage large amount of energy and respond rapidly to grid fluctuations.
SRHI received approval to study the 400 MW San Roque Lower East Pumped Storage project through hydropower service contract no. 2016-06-657. The capacity was later increased to 800 MW.
SRHI also owns the existing 435 MW San Roque Multi-Purpose hydro project, the third power dam in the Agno River basin. It was completed in March 2003 and began commercial operations in May 2023.