South Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plant Project - Key Notes

Project Description

  • The South Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plant Project is located in Bukidnon, Philippines, spanning the municipalities of Damulog, Dangcagan, Kibawe, and Kitaotao.
  • The dam will be a concrete face rockfill dam with a maximum height of 143.1 meters and a crest length of 878.5 meters.
  • The reservoir will have an area of 2,924 ha and a storage capacity of 1169.3×106m31169.3 \times 10^6 m^3.
  • It includes three diversion tunnels, a spillway with a weir crest elevation of 149.0 meters, and a powerhouse with a rated capacity of 250 MW.
  • The project will employ three 87.18 MW hydraulic turbines and three 85 MW generators. A 138 kV transmission line will extend 20 km.
  • The estimated total project cost is US $699,666,000.00.

Project Rationale

  • The project aims to meet the increasing energy demand in Mindanao, which has seen a 3.6% annual demand increase between 2008 and 2017.
  • As of 2017, coal plants constitute 38.5% and hydropower 30.4% of Mindanao's installed generating capacity. This project intends to augment hydropower capacity.
  • By 2021-2030, Mindanao requires an additional 3,650 MW to satisfy power demand.
  • The project also helps in flood and siltation control. The dam will have a dead storage capacity of 495 million cubic meters.

Project Alternatives

  • An alternative site at President Roxas, North Cotabato (Pulangi V) was considered but not selected due to political factors and household displacement issues.
  • A concrete-faced rockfill dam (CFRD) was chosen due to its resilience in weak foundation conditions.
  • Borrow materials for construction will be sourced from eight identified locations along the Pulangi River.

Project Phases & Schedule

  • Pre-Construction Phase: Includes securing permits, selecting contractors, and land acquisition.
  • Construction Phase: Estimated to last 65 months, involving the construction of the dam, spillway, and power facilities.
  • Operation Phase: Commercial operation is projected for 50 years.

Environmental Impact Analysis

  • Land use changes: Approximately 2,878 ha, mostly agricultural and forestland, will be inundated. Compensation will be provided to affected landowners.
  • The project is located within Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs).
  • Potential Geohazards: The project site is susceptible to seismic activity, mass movement, and hydrological hazards.
  • Main impacts includes vegetation and habitat loss, soil erosion, change in topography and landform; mitigating measure are proposed.