Ambuklao dam starts commercial operation

By Dexter A. See

BOKOD, Benguet — The management of the SN Power Aboitiz Benguet here has partially rehabilitated the Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant, which started commercial operation of its Unit 3 turbine.

Ambuklao’s host municipality and province is Bokod, Benguet.

It hosts two barangays — Ambuklao (after which the plant was named) and Tikey-and a community called Shakilan ni Ikulos-Indigenous Peoples’ Organization.

The Ambuklao plant now has 35 megawatts (MW) of capacity after two years of rehabilitation following a 12-year shutdown. Apart from helping the grid, added capacity likewise contributes to the development and growth of the plant’s host communities.

Ambuklao plant’s rehabilitation began in year 2008 to restore the plant and increase its capacity from 75 MW to 105 MW.

The rehabilitation is expected to be completed in the third quarter this year and its full operation will begin at end of the year.

The Ambuklao plant upgrade is another engineering feat entailing the construction of a new intake, headrace and penstock, elevation of tailrace tunnel outlet, de-silting of tailrace tunnel and replacement of electro-mechanical components.

SNAP-Benguet’s renovation on its other facility, the Binga power plant, is ongoing. Began in 2010, the refurbishment will upgrade the plant from 100 MW to 120 MW one unit at a time within three to four years.

Built in 1956, Ambuklao was the first among the country’s largest hydroelectric power plants with an original installed capacity of 75 MW. Siltation and other technical problems caused by the 1990 earthquake that struck Benguet led to suspension of plant operations in 1999.

SNAP-Benguet likewise ensures a safe and healthy working environment for its employees.
Its Ambuklao and Binga plants, in fact, posted a combined 3.75 million man-hours of zero lost time incidents arising from workplace injury as of April 2011.

SNAP-Benguet also makes sure that it meets, and even exceeds, the requirements of law, rules, and regulations that govern the preservation and protection of the environment by promoting sustainability practices.

“SNAP-Benguet implements a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program that aims to support development projects in livelihood and eco-tourism, education, health, governance, environmental protection, social infrastructure, and indigenous peoples concerns.

The company allocates a voluntary fund yearly for these community investments,” said SNAP president and CEO Manny Rubio.

He adds that SNAP-Benguet is at the forefront of environmental protection in Benguet through the implementation of its watershed protection and conservation projects in coordination with NPC.

It also supports the establishment of domain nurseries and agro-forestation projects with the Indigenous Peoples Organization of Bokod and Itogon, Benguet.