EBATECH Hydroelectric Power Plant Lands in Northern Samar: Paving the Way Toward Clean Energy Consumption

Northern Samar has expanded its renewable energy profile with the addition of a 3.18-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Brgy. Happy Valley, San Isidro. Governor Edwin C. Ongchuan graced the groundbreaking ceremony, signaling the start of a project expected to benefit the Nortehanon communities.

Built under a joint venture between Energy & Building Applications Technologies Corporation (EBATECH) and Northern Samar Electric Cooperative (Norsamelco), this project marks a significant step in Northern Samar's vision to become the green energy capital of the Philippines.

This new hydroelectric project also reflects the Provincial Government of Northern Samar's current investment servicing momentum, which has drawn several high-profile investments to the province.

With the Provincial Government of Northern Samar recently introducing its version of the Green Lane—a streamlined initiative for business permits and licensing designed to make investment processes more efficient and attractive for companies—Northern Samar has created an investment-friendly environment that welcomes projects like EBATECH’s hydroelectric plant.

Governor Ongchuan emphasized the importance of bringing alternative energy sources to Northern Samar, recognizing the role renewable energy projects play in the province’s sustainable development. He highlighted other notable renewable initiatives already underway and expressed that Northern Samar is fortunate to have attracted the interest of investors like EBATECH.

EBATECH, is a leading company in energy and building solutions with 17 years of industry experience, has brought renewable energy projects totaling 375 MW and substation projects amounting to 535 MVA nationwide. The San Isidro hydroelectric project is the latest addition to their growing portfolio, utilizing advanced hydropower technology to harness Northern Samar's natural resources.

This hydroelectric project of EBATECH will be integrated into the NORSAMELCO distribution system, allowing generated power to bypass transmission costs. This setup is expected to reduce power costs for member-consumers by PhP 0.4482 per kilowatt-hour. Half of the income of NORSAMELCO from thia project will go towards reducing distribution charges for consumers, while the other half will fund improvements in NORSAMELCO’s service delivery.

This new renewable energy project is not Northern Samar’s only recent renewable energy venture. Just earlier this November, Governor Ongchuan concluded key meetings with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Gemini Wind Energy Corp for upcoming offshore and onshore wind energy projects. These initiatives reflect a robust and growing commitment to diversify the province’s renewable energy portfolio, utilizing both wind and hydropower resources.

These collaborations reinforce the governor’s advocacy for a bio-circular green economy, where renewable resources are maximized, and environmental impact minimized. The ongoing partnerships also position Northern Samar as a promising site for large-scale renewable energy investments, which are essential to meeting national and global sustainability goals.

With continued support from Governor Ongchuan and partnerships with renewable energy giants, the province is well on its way to achieving its green energy goals. As these projects unfold, Northern Samar’s streamlined Green Lane initiative and pro-investment policies are expected to attract even more forward-looking investments. Northern Samar is positioned to serve as a model for bio-circular green economies nationwide, emphasizing sustainable development and environmental stewardship.