Dupinga Mini Hydro Corp. (DMHC) has secured a Certificate of Compliance (COC) from the Energy Regulatory Commission for its 5-megawatt Dupinga Run-of-River (ROR) Power Plant, paving the way for the facility’s commercial operations.
DMHC is a joint venture involving Alternergy Mini Hydro Holdings Corp., Markham Resources Corp., and Nueva Ecija II – Area 2 Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NEECO II – Area 2).
“The complete COC license confirms our full compliance with the technical, operational and regulatory requirements and documentations by the ERC,” said Gerry P. Magbanua, Alternergy president.
As an embedded generation facility, the Dupinga ROR Plant will provide additional power capacity to NEECO II – Area 2 under a 20-year bilateral power supply agreement.
“The timing of the start of its commercial operations could not be better. Amid an ongoing oil supply crisis, the Dupinga ROR Plant will deliver reliable and sustainable power at predictable price to NEECO II – Area 2,” said Dexter Teng.
Teng added that concerns over energy security and supply disruptions, heightened by tensions in the Middle East, underscore the need to prioritize investments in indigenous and sustainable renewable energy sources.
For its part, NEECO II – Area 2 welcomed the additional supply, citing improved electricity reliability in the municipality of Gabaldon and nearby areas considered the last mile of its franchise coverage.
“The Dupinga ROR Plant will boost electricity supply in the Municipality of Gabaldon and other adjoining municipalities,” said Reynaldo Villanueva.
The project took several years to complete, navigating permitting challenges, indigenous peoples’ engagement, climate-related events, the pandemic, and geopolitical disruptions, according to Eduardo Martinez Miranda.
Miranda also acknowledged the support of the Development Bank of the Philippines, which served as the project’s sole lender.
The Dupinga ROR Plant is expected to supply clean and renewable energy to around 13,000 households in Nueva Ecija while helping avoid an estimated 16,500 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
The facility features a 3-kilometer concrete headrace and a 1-kilometer steel siphon system designed to follow the mountain’s natural contours, minimizing environmental impact while protecting surrounding communities and infrastructure.
