Isla Norte Energy Corp., a subsidiary of Vivant Energy Corp., tapped global technology leader Wärtsilä to provide the engineering and equipment for its 23-megawatt power plant that will supply reliable and stable power to Bantayan Island in northern part of Cebu.
“The new power plant is an essential element for a secure economic future for Bantayan Island. We are, at the same time, actively seeking to deliver electricity to small islands throughout the region, and a capable, reliable partner, such as Wärtsilä, is needed for this,” said Vivant Energy chief operating officer Emil Andre Garcia.
The power plant, expected to be completed in 2021, will supply electricity to the entire island, which experiences frequent power outages because of the lack of a reliable power supply.
INEC, a joint venture of Vivant Energy and Gigawatt Power Corp., was awarded a 15-year power supply agreement by Bantayan Electric Cooperative.
Bantayan, which has a population of about 80,000, is a major tourist destination with a growing trade and commerce.
Wartsila provided the engineering and equipment for Delta P, which runs a 47-MW diesel-fired power plant in Puerto Princesa and the Calamian Islands Power Corp. which supplies power to the off-grid areas of Coron and Busuanga through the Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative.
“We have enjoyed a long-term relationship with Gigawatt and Vivant, and are pleased to be again providing a power plant solution tailored to the specific requirements of the project,” said Wärtsilä Energy Business vice president for Middle East and Asia Frederic Carron.
He said the Wärtsilä’s solution features the latest technology with high-efficiency engines. “It will certainly add reliability to the local supply system and another addition to the growing installed base in the off-grid areas in the Philippines,” Carron said.