Japan funding northern Philippine hydropower projects

Projects located in the provinces of Ifugao and Isabela in northern Luzon.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is extending US$10.7 million grants for mini hydropower plant projects in both provinces.

The grants will be used to build an 810KW mini hydropwer plant in Ifugao and a 45KW mini hydropower plant in Isabela. The Ifugao plant will cost US$9.2 million, while the one in Isabela will be US$1.5 million.

The Philippine government said hydropower potentials in the countryside will help its strategy of intensifying the development and use of renewable and environment-friendly alternative energy resources..

The project will be implemented from May 2013 until February 2015.

The mini hydropower plant project in Isabela will involve the construction of a substation, transmission facilities, a diversion canal, and power house.

JICA is an independent governmental agency that coordinates official development assistance for the government of Japan. It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries, and the promotion of international cooperation.