Hydro plant expansion 54% complete 

June 19, 2015

The Ferdinand L. Singit hydro, one of Hedcor’s hydro power plants in the municipality of Bakun, undergoes repair and construction works in preparation for its expansion.

Starting off the construction works was the thorough repair and strengthening of the skyline of the Bakun Plants. It ensured the safe transport of all the equipment and materials needed in the expansion project. The Engineering Support and Services team, who made an analysis of the existing sky line structure, headed the rehab works. Some 26 locals were hired to help in the repair and improvement of the setup. Some residents were employed for the hauling and delivery of materials needed while the landowners were awarded the support block works of the skyline.

The sky line which covers an approximate distance of 1.8 kilometers was built in 1997 for the Bakun AC project.

Another primary work implemented in parallel with the rehab works of the sky line was the raising of the powerhouse roof. It now measures about 9.5 meters from its 5.9 meters original height.  The plant’s weir was also improved to 4.35 meters from 3.6 meters. Other developments were the dismantling of the seven Francis turbine units and the installation of a 20-ton overhead crane inside the powerhouse.

On-going works include the sky line transport of the electro-mechanical equipment from the community down to the plant. This includes the two Pelton vertical turbines that will replace the Francis turbines. Other developing works are the concreting of the foundation of the turbines and the excavation inside the powerhouse.

The electro-mechanical installation is set to be done by first quarter of 2015. Expansion works is now at 54%.

The expansion of the FLS plant will boost the plant’s capacity from 4.9MW to 6.2MW. FLS hydropower plant was built in 1991 and was then commissioned and operated commercially in 1993. FLS contributes about 27 million kWh yearly to the Luzon Grid.

This move is part of the Hedcor’s continuous quest for reliable power generation aligned with its mission of developing and operating efficient hydropower systems.