New hydropower projects could be built on both existing and future irrigation schemes in the Philippines, under plans unveiled by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
Over 360 potential irrigation sites have been identified as being suitable for hydropower in a study by the NIA. The plans would help NIA provide more energy from renewable sources for remote regions, while helping to boost income.
The NIA has recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Nascent Technologies Corp, for development of the 40MW Barit Irrigation Discharge Hydroelectric Power plant, and it is also involved in the 1MW Rizal Hydropower Project near the main canal of Pampanga River Irrigation System (PRIS) in Nueva Ecija.