Four Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) that will be affected by SN Aboitiz Power’s (SNAP) proposed Alimit Hydropower Complex in Ifugao, Philippines, have signed agreements giving their consent for the project.
The Ibfunjiyan IPO of Aguinaldo, Ancestral Domain Council of Lagawe (ADCEL), Federation of Lamut Indigenous Peoples Organization, and the Emajawjaw IPO of Mayoyao signified their Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) by signing Memorandums of Agreement for what is set to be the first hydropower facility in the Province of Ifugao. The FPIC process with these IPOs was facilitated by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
Set to be implemented over phases, the first phase entails the construction of the 120MW Alimit Plant and 20MW Olilicon Plant. The capital outlay for this phase alone is expected to be between US$500 to US$600 million. The other component of this project includes the 250MW Alimit pumped storage facility.
Earlier this year, the Municipal governments of Aguinaldo, Lagawe, and Mayoyao also signed framework agreements with SNAP. These agreements set the standards for the relationship of stakeholders of the municipalities and SNAP, as well as guidelines to fortify cooperation, collaboration and partnership for the coming years. The company has also started dialogues with the municipality of Lamut for a similar agreement.
“This milestone was four years in the making,” said SNAP President and CEO Joseph Yu. “The signing of these MOAs with the indigenous peoples groups takes us a step closer to realizing the Alimit project, and to better supporting the development needs of Ifugao and the energy needs of the country.”
SNAP is a joint venture between SN Power of Norway and AboitizPower. It owns and operates the 360-380MW Magat hydro on the border of Isabela and Ifugao; the 8.5MW Maris hydro in Isabela; the 10MW Ambuklao hydro in Benguet; and the 140MW Binga hydro also in Benguet.
