The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has scheduled a public scoping for the proposed ₱3.2-billion expansion of a gas turbine power plant in Sangali, Zamboanga City. Set for 28 August, the session will allow project proponent Malita Power Inc.—an affiliate of San Miguel Corp.—to present the 56-megawatt (MW) expansion and gather stakeholder feedback.
Public scoping is a critical step in the environmental impact assessment process, helping identify potential environmental and social issues early in the project’s development. The proposed expansion aims to address persistent voltage instability and grid reliability challenges in the Zamboanga Peninsula, which is currently reliant on heavily loaded and long radial transmission lines from northern Mindanao.
Malita Power Inc. currently operates a 28 MW plant in the area. The expansion will add another 28 MW modular gas turbine unit, primarily fueled by diesel, with a provision for future use of liquefied natural gas. The facility footprint will grow to 14,212 square meters and is expected to create 100 construction jobs and 30 operational roles.
The company emphasized the project’s potential to bolster power supply reliability, support local development through increased tax revenues, and provide social benefits through community programs.
