Business Highlights

AboitizPower to add some 500 MW of capacity in 2018

December 20, 2017

AboitizPower is set to add some 500 MW of attributable capacity in 2018, coming from the completion of several hydro and baseload plants in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

In a briefing for analysts last Tuesday, AboitizPower President and COO Antonio R. Moraza said the projects are on track and should be mostly online in the first half of 2018.

“The entry of these plants will significantly support the country’s energy reserves and will show that the Philippines is open for business and investments,” Moraza said. “We have one of the most diversified portfolios in the country and we continue to be on the lookout for opportunities to push our balanced mix strategy.”

Meanwhile, Moraza said AboitizPower expects to be able to make a final decision within the year on its Aseagas biomass power plant facility in Batangas that is currently under extended shutdown.“We are currently continuing our technical evaluation, and a write-off is a possibility,” Moraza said.

AboitizPower with its partner SN Power recently completed construction of the 8.5-MW Maris Canal hydro project in Isabela, while wholly owned subsidiary Hedcor is wrapping up the construction of a 68.8-MW hydro plant in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

The company is also completing the 340-MW Therma Visayas baseload power plant in Toledo City, Cebu and the 400-MW Pagbilao 3 baseload power plant in Quezon.

Aseagas disclosed last Monday that it prepaid its outstanding loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in the amount of Php2.368 billion. The company also has invested equity of around Php950 million for the biomass plant and has around Php460 million in outstanding liabilities.