The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has identified 32 possible sites for mini-hydro power plants in NIA managed irrigation systems, 26 in Luzon, 2 in Visayas and 4 in Mindanao. These sites will have a total capacity of 15,214 KW.
The idea of putting up mini-hydro power plants in irrigation systems came up after NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel visited Japan, where he saw mini-hydro power plants installed in irrigation canals. He said that while it can be done in Japan, it can also be done in the Philippines where the same elevation of irrigation canals abounds. Upon his arrival, Administrator Nangel issued Memorandum Circular No. 55 S 2011, to all Regional/Operations Managers of NIA to identify possible sites for mini-hydro power plants in irrigation canals/systems, providing therein guidelines/criteria.
Administrator Nangel said that the project would require installation of turbine engine in irrigation canals to turn it into a mini hydro-power plant. "Our irrigation systems are mostly located in far-flung barangays and putting up this project is a great help to the prospective beneficiaries", he added.
Administrator Nangel is very optimistic that this project will take-off because 12 firms have submitted Letter of Intent (LOI), and targeted sites for development is 22. There are 2 Memorandum of Agreements already signed for the project. The mini-hydro power plant would serve both energy generation that would help ease the problem on power crisis and irrigation. The mini hydro will not affect irrigation requirements as the water will just pass thru the irrigation canal.
Cited as legal basis for this projects are RA 9513 – "Renewable Energy Act of 2008" and RA 7156 – "Mini-hydroelectric Power Incentives Act". NIA issued Memorandum Circular No. 55 S 2011 that defines the guidelines on Mini Hydro-power Plants in NIA irrigation canals/systems.
