Seven Groups Keen on Agus Hydropower Plant Upgrade

Seven groups are keen on bidding for a government project to upgrade Mindanao’s main power plant.

State-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp (Psalm) today identified the seven potential bidders as Alstom Philippines, China International Water and Electric Corp, HydroChina ZhongNan-HEC-BSPJV, Kaltimex Energy Philippines Inc, PHP Philippine Hydro Project Inc, Vicente T. Lao Construction, and Zhejiang Fuchunjiang Hydropower Equipment Co Ltd.

The seven parties purchased bid documents and have begun due diligence on the project, which involves the upgrade of Units 1 and 2 of the Agus VI hydroelectric power plant from 25 megawatts (MW) to 34.5 MW each. The project also aims to extend their economic life by another 30 years.

It will entail the investigation, design, engineering, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning of the new hydropower turbines and blades of the two Agus VI power units, as well as replacement of electrical equipment, materials and devices necessary for the safe and reliable operation of the facilities.

Upon award, the project is expected to be completed within 900 calendar days.

The 200-MW Agus VI is a run-of-river hydro plant located downstream from the famed Maria Cristina Falls in Fuentes, Iligan City.

The plant consists of Units 1 and 2 with rated capacities of 25 MW each, and Units 3, 4 and 5 at 50 MW each.

“We are happy with the turnout, and we hope everyone submits a bid. Other interested parties may still join this procurement project even until bidding day, as long as they purchase the bidding documents and submit the documentary requirements,” Psalm president Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr said.

In a supplemental bid bulletin, Psalm, through its bids and awards committee, announced that the deadline for the submission of bids has been extended to 12:00 noon of September 30.