SMALL HYDROELECTRIC

POWER PLANT

Nuhman M.
Aljani

CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Description
Function and Operation
Laws and Policies
Requirements
Environmental Impacts
Mitigating Measures
Recommendations

DESCRIPTION OF
SMALL HYDROPOWER
PLANT

DESCRIPTION
Hydroelectric power refers to electric
power produced by utilizing the kinetic
energy of falling or running water to turn a
turbine generator. (RA 7156)
Hydroelectric power (often called
hydropower) is considered a renewable
energy source. A renewable energy
source is one that is not depleted (used
up) in the production of energy. Through
hydropower, the energy in falling water is
converted into electricity without using
up the water.

DESCRIPTION
Small Hydropower Plant refers to an
electric-power-generating plant which:
a)Utilizes kinetic energy of falling or running
water (run-of-river hydro plants) to turn a
turbine generator producing electricity; and
b)Has an installed capacity of not less than
101 kilowatts nor more than 10,000
kilowatts (10 MW).

DESCRIPTION
Types of Hydropower
Facilities
1. Impoundment system - An impoundment
is simply a dam that holds water in a
reservoir. The water is released when
needed through a penstock, to drive the
turbine.
2. Run-of-the-river system - uses the rivers
natural flow and requires little or no
impoundment. It may involve a diversion of
a portion of the stream through a canal or
penstock, or it may involve placement of a
turbine right in the stream channel. Run-ofthe-river systems are often low-head.

DESCRIPTION
Benefits of Hydroelectric System
Hydroelectric energy is a continuously renewable electrical energy
source.
Hydroelectric energy is non-polluting - no heat or noxious gases are
released.
Hydroelectric energy has no fuel cost and with low operating and
maintenance costs, it is essentially inflation proof.
Hydroelectric energy technology is a proven technology that offers
reliable and flexible operation.
Hydroelectric stations have a long life and many existing stations have
been in operation for more than half a century and are still operating
efficiently.
Hydropower station efficiencies of over 90% are achieved making it the
most efficient of energy conversion technologies.
Hydropower offers a means of responding within seconds to changes in
load demand.

DESCRIPTION
Coal vs. Hydro Kinetic Energy Conversion

DESCRIPTION
Quick facts about hydropower
potential
Reference
Total Potential
Tapped/ Developed
World

173 GW (65% in Asia)

Southeast Asia
Philippines

6,682.5 MW
1,252 MW
1,876 MW (2nd to Vietnam 248 MW
in SEA)
a.Small (mini) 1,847 MW
(888 sites)
b.Micro 29 MW

Source: WSHPDR 2013, UNIDO

75 GW

DESCRIPTION
Electricity Generation in the Philippines

Source: DOE-Philippines

DESCRIPTION
Small Hydro Power Plants in the Phil

Source: DOE-Philippines

DESCRIPTION
Plant Name

Location

Capacity (MW)

Current Owner

Date
Commissioned

NIA

1987

Remarks

Luzon
Baligatan

Isabela

Feeding from
Magat

Barit

Cam Sur

1.8

Peoples
Energy
Services

1957

Palakpakin

Laguna

0.56

Philpodeco

1933-38

Balugbog

Laguna

0.55

Philpodeco

1933-38

Cawayan

Sorsogon

0.4

2002

Kalibato

Laguna

0.075

Sorsogom
Electric Coop
Philpodeco

Magat A

Isabela

1.44

ISELCO

1984

Run-off river

Magat B

Isabela

1.08

ISELCO

1985

Run-off river

1933-38

DESCRIPTION
Plant Name

Location

Capacity (MW)

Current Owner

Date
Commissioned

Remarks

Visayas

Loboc

Bohol

1.2

Amlan

Negros Or.

0.8

Sta Clara Intl 1957-67

Corp
NPC
1962

Mindanao
Bubunawan

Bukidnon

Talomo

Davao City

4.72

Agusan

Bukidnon

1.6

Bubunawan 2011
Power Co
Hydro
1998
Electric Devt
Corp

Offtaker:
CEPALCO

First Gen
Bukidnon
Power Corp

Run-off

1957

DESCRIPTION
Small Hydro Power Plants in the Philippines
(DOE, 2013)
Luzon

Visayas

Mindanao

DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

FUNCTION AND
OPERATION OF SMALL
HYDROPOWER PLANT

FUNCTION AND OPERATION

Hydropower systems use the energy in flowing water to produce

electricity or mechanical energy. The water flows via channel or
penstock to a waterwheel or turbine where it strikes the bucket
of the wheel, causing the shaft of the waterwheel or turbine to
rotate. When generating electricity, the rotating shaft, which is
connected to an alternator or generator, converts the motion of
the shaft into electrical energy. This electrical energy may be used
directly, stored in batteries, or inverted to produce utility-quality
electricity.

FUNCTION AND OPERATION

Computing for Power Generation of a Powerplant
The amount of electricity that can be generated by a hydropower plant
depends on two factors:
a. flow rate - the quantity of water flowing in a given time; and
b. head - the height from which the water falls.
The greater the flow and head, the more electricity produced.
Power= (Height of Dam/Head) x (River Flow/ Flow rate) x (Efficiency) / 11.8
Where:
Power = the electric power in kilowatts or kW
Head = the distance the water falls (measured in feet)
Flow = the amount of water flowing (measured in cubic feet per second or cfs)
Efficiency = How well the turbine and generator convert the power of falling
water into electric power. This can range from 60% (0.60) for older, poorly
maintained hydroplants to 90% (0.90) for newer, well maintained plants.

FUNCTION AND OPERATION

LAWS AND POLICIES

GOVERNING SMALL
HYDROPOWER PLANT

LAWS AND POLICIES

RA 9513 or otherwise known as
Renewable Energy Act of 2008
- Establish the framework for the accelerated
development and advancement of renewable
energy resources such as, but not limited to,
biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and
ocean energy sources, including hybrid systems,
and the development of a strategic program to
increase its utilization.
- Provides for Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPC)
that subsumes the more substantive feed in
tariff (FIT)

LAWS AND POLICIES

Republic Act 7156 (Mini-Hydropower
Incentives Act)
a. Special privilege tax rates - Tax payable by developers/grantees to develop
potential sites for hydroelectric power and to generate, transmit and sell electric
power shall be 2 percent of their gross receipts
b. Income tax holiday for seven (7) years from start of commercial operations
c. Tax and duty free importation of machinery, equipment and materialsExemption from payment of tariff duties and value-added tax (VAT) on importation of
machinery and equipment (within seven (7) years from date of awarding of contract)
d. Tax credit on domestic capital equipment - For developers who buy machinery,
equipment, materials and parts from a local manufacturers, tax credit is given
equivalent to 100 percent of value of VAT and custom duties that would have been
paid to import said machinery, equipment, etc.
e. Special realty tax rates on equipment and machinery - Realty and other taxes
on civil works, equipment, machinery and other improvements of a registered minihydroelectric power developer shall not exceed 2.5 percent of their original cost
f. VAT Exemption - Exemption from payment of 10 percent VAT on gross receipts
derived from sale of electric power whether wheeled via the NPC grid or electric
utility lines

LAWS AND POLICIES

DOE Department Circular No.

DC2009-05-0008
- Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA
9513

LAWS AND POLICIES

Executive Order No. 462, Series of
1997
- Enabling private sector participation in the
exploration, development, utilization and
commercialization of hydro, solar and wind (HSW)
energy resources for power generation and other
energy uses
- To accelerate the development and utilization of
HSW energy resources by encouraging greater
private sector investment and participation
in the implementation of new and renewable
energy (NRE) activities and projects

LAWS AND POLICIES

Executive Order No. 232, Series of 2000
- Amending EO 462
- Considering the important role of the private sector, marketdriven approach should be adopted in the development and
utilization of NRE resources

- DOE shall assist HSW developers in the following areas:

a. Obtain all applicable fiscal and non-fiscal incentives,
including registration as pioneer industry under the Board of
Investments.
b. Allow developers to charge the cost of assessment, field
verification and feasibility studies of such other sites to
its current commercial projects to encourage the
development of more OSW resources in other sites.
c. Secure access to lands and/or offshore areas where
energy resources shall be harnessed.
d. Undertake a regular study that will provide the basis for
the proper valuation of intermittent electrical energy
generation from HSW resources and reflect future
developments, taking into consideration the vast differences in
scale and application of energy resources.

LAWS AND POLICIES

DOE Department Circular No.
DC2013-05-0013
Guidelines for the selection process of Renewable
Energy Projects under feed-in tariff system (fits)
and the award of certificate for feed-in tariff
eligibility

LAWS AND POLICIES

DOE Department Circular No. DC2009-070010 (Guidelines for the accreditation of
manufacturers, fabricators and suppliers of
locally-produced renewable energy
equipment and components)
DOE Department Circular No. DC2009-070011 (Guidelines governing a transparent and
competitive system of awarding renewable energy
service/ operating contracts and providing for the
registration process of renewable energy
developers)

DOE Department Circular No. DC2010-020001 (Creation of Steering Committee on the

Establishment of Renewable Energy Market)

LAWS AND POLICIES

DOE Department Circular No. DC2011-070007 (Ensuring the adequacy and readiness of the
national transmission system to accommodate new
generating capacities from emerging renewable
energy technologies)

DOE Department Circular No. DC2012-110009 (Renewable Energy Safety, Health and
Environment Rules and Regulations of 2012)

REQUIREMENTS AND
COMPLIANCE IN
ESTABLISHING SMALL
HYDROPOWER PLANT

REQUIREMENTS/COMPLIANCE
Who May Apply (Sec. 3 of IRR)
Any individual not otherwise disqualified by law, or
corporation, partnership, association or joint
company, constituted and organized under the
laws of the Philippines, at least sixty percent
(60%) of the stock or paid-up capital of which
belongs to the citizens of the Philippines.

REQUIREMENTS/COMPLIANCE
Content of the Application (Sec 4 of
IRR)
All applications shall be made in writing, verified,
accomplished in two (2) copies, and must show,
among other things, the jurisdictional facts, the
name and address of the applicant, the brief
description of the project stating, among others,
how water will be used, amount of water needed,
power to be generated, etc., and place where
applicant proposes to construct a mini-hydro
power plant.

REQUIREMENTS/COMPLIANCE
Documents to Accompany Application (Sec
5)
1. Certificate of Registration from the Securities and
Exchange Commission together with a copy of
Articles of Incorporation or Certification from the
Department of Trade and Industry in case the
applicant is a single proprietorship;
2. Proposed Memorandum of Agreement between the
applicant and either the NAPOCOR, the franchised
electric utility, or other end-user as the case may be,
on power purchase as well as on the use of existing
lines and the associated wheeling fees, as applicable;

REQUIREMENTS/COMPLIANCE
Documents to Accompany Application
(Sec 5)
3. Comprehensive feasibility study providing the
technical, economic, financial, social, as well as
the administrative viability of the project.
(Details)
4. Processing fee of one (1) Peso (P1.00) per
kilowatt estimated installed capacity
5. Such other papers and documents as may be
required by the OEA.

REQUIREMENTS/COMPLIANCE
Financial Requirements
The applicant has minimum working capital of at
least Thirty-Five Thousand Pesos (P35,000.00) per
kilowatt to support the first two (2) years of the
projects work program and must demonstrate
that it has the capability to raise additional
working capital of at least sixty percent (60%) of
the estimated project cost to fund the remaining
works and the plants subsequent operations;
Current ratio of 1.5:1;
Debt equity ratio of 3:1; and
Such other factors which would substantially
establish the applicants financial capability.

REQUIREMENTS/COMPLIANCE
Defective Application (Sec 8)
When an application is filed and it is found to be
defective either in form or in substance or
incomplete as to certain data, the OEA shall within
two (2) days inform the applicant of such a fact in
writing, with notice that the correction or
deficiency must be supplied within fifteen (15)
working days from receipt of the notice.

REQUIREMENTS/COMPLIANCE
Criteria in Approval/Approval:
The operation of the proposed mini-hydro power projects
will promote public interest in a proper and suitable
manner
The applicant is financially and technically capable of
undertaking the proposed mini-hydro power project and
meeting the responsibilities incident to its operation
The construction and operation thereof will not result in
the closure or stoppage of existing water outlets,
passageways, conduits, or the like from the water source.
The requirements of pubic safety and Environmental
Compliance Certificate are complied with.
Generally, the construction and operations thereof will
promote and achieve the purposes of R.A. 7156.

REQUIREMENTS/COMPLIANCE
Processing Period
The OEA shall resolve the application within four
(4) months from receipt thereof provided that all
the documents and clearances contemplated in
these rules are timely submitted and no objection
have been raised by concerned parties.

ENVI. IMPACT AND

MITIGATING
MEASURES

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND

MITIGATING MEASURES
Environmental Impact
Construction of hydraulic
structures results to the loss of
ground and alteration of flow
consequent to river regulation
that did not exist before.

Mitigating Measure
Excavation work should be
undertaken in the dry season and
the disturbed ground restored as
soon as possible.
Restore and reinforce the river
bank vegetation that may have
been damaged during
construction of the structures to
avoid river erosion.
The ground should be revegetated with indigenous
species, better adapted to the
local conditions.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND

MITIGATING MEASURES
Environmental Impact

Mitigating Measure

The most critical impacts of small

hydropower is that on the aquatic
species (mortality, migration and
change in the conditions and
quality of their habitats due to
the thermal pollution, the
increased turbidity or the likely
alteration of nutrients)

Installation of fish-friendly
turbines (technology available)

Noise pollution particularly the

sound from the turbines

Powerhouse should be situated

away/isolated from the populated
area.
Noise inside the power house can
be reduced, if necessary, by
insulation of the power house
walls and roof.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND

MITIGATING MEASURES
Environmental Impact
Change in the visual impact
of the site by introducing
contrasting forms, lines,
color or textures. The penstock is usually the main
cause of nuisance.

Mitigating Measure
The layout must be carefully studied
using every natural feature such as
rocks, ground and its vegetation to
shroud it and if there is no other solution,
painting o as to minimize contrast with
the background. If the pen stock can be
buried, this is usually a good solution
from environmental point of view.
Expansion joints and concrete anchor
blocks could then be reduced or
eliminated; the ground is returned to its
original state and the pipe does not form
a barrier to the passage of wild life
especially in forest.

RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDATION

Ensure that mitigating measures to address every

impact identified are put in place.
Regular monitoring of the operation to detect
early any possible adverse impact.
Ensure government guidelines, policies, rules and
regulations are followed.