SNAP orients PGNV Officials on its HPP facilities

In response to the invitation of the management of SN Aboitiz Power – Magat, Inc. (SNAP-Magat), officials of the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV) conducted a Familiarization Tour on February 21, 2023 at the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant (Magat HPP) in Ramon, Isabela.

Composing the visiting delegation, led by Governor Carlos M. Padilla, were Dr. Ruth Raña Padilla, and the Supervising Administrative Officers of the Governor’s Office, along with Vice Governor Jose V. Gambito, Floor Leader Patricio F. Dumlao, Jr., and other members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

“Given its rugged topography, the Province of Nueva Vizcaya has developed complex arteries of rivers, streams, creeks, and springs, one of which is the Magat River that has four tributaries, namely, the Matuno, Sta. Fe, Sta. Cruz, and Marang Rivers. These rivers are characterized by steep gradients on the upstream and slightly decreasing gradients towards the downstream, which are deemed underutilized promising sources of Hydroelectric Power. This kind of power source is renewable because the water used to generate electricity is not depleted during the process; it is environment-friendly, clean, and natural, as it only harnesses energy from flowing and falling water; it is reliable because hydropower can go from zero power to maximum output quickly and, therefore, is very much adaptable to the changing demands for electricity; and it is not subject to foreign exchange movements and logistical issues because water from the rivers is a local resource.”, the hosts explained.

Given its Magat HPP and Maris HPP, SNAP-Magat has been at the forefront of sustainable and renewable energy technologies in the Region. It gives due credit to the Province of Nueva Vizcaya for its Magat HPP, which is one of the largest hydro facilities in Luzon. Drawing power from the Magat River, through the multi-purpose Magat Dam, it can produce a maximum output of 388 MW.

With the recent development of SNAP-Magat’s 20 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project at its Magat HPP, it is an opportune time for the PGNV officials to get a grasp of possible renewable energy technologies that can be utilized by the province to help ease the burdens arising from high energy cost and limited power supply options.

This Familiarization Tour at the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant also manifests the resolve of the present leadership in bringing alternative and sustainable power generation technologies closer to home and achieving energy self-sufficiency pursuant to its sworn duty to improve the socio-economic status of the province and its people. #mvs (with inputs from TJ Remorca)

A SNAP-Magat staff (with white hard hat) presents the scale model of the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant Complex to the visiting PGNV officials led by Governor Carlos M. Padilla.