Exploring renewable resources: Ligao City's first hydroelectric power plant

On March 24, 2014,  Ligao City inaugurated its first Class "AA" Slaughterhouse located at Sitio Caransag, Tinago, replacing the old slaughterhouse at the City Market. Aside from its high quality machines and equipment, what is more unique about the new slaughterhouse is its power supply is generated by a small hydroelectric power plant or the Mini-Hydro.

How the Mini-Hydro works

The irrigation canal at Herrera supplies the water for the Mini Hydro.

Engr. Montgomery Viscaya, who is in charge of the technical operation of the power plant, briefly explained how the Mini Hydro works. According to him, the water is the prime mover. The water propels the turbine, then turns the generator. The mechanical energy produced from the propelling turbines is then converted to electrical energy.

The Mini-Hydro generates 25 kW of energy, enough to operate the machines in the slaughterhouse. There is also allotted power supply for the barangay streetlights and barangay center.

On the other hand, the main challenge in operating the power plant is the seasonal drought- the El Niño. Engr. Viscaya said that during the dry season the water level is low affecting the flow of water in the power plant. This in turn will result to minimal power supply.

The irrigation canal from Barangay Herrera supplies the water for the power plant and is located five kilometers away from the slaughterhouse.

Benefits of the Mini-Hydro

During the inauguration of the slaughterhouse, former Ligao City Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez emphasized one of the benefits of having a hydroelectric power plant - using a renewable resource to operate the facility without having to pay a monthly electricity bill.

In addition, power generation in Mini-Hydro is environment-friendly, according to Engr. Viscaya. It does not pollute the environment, contributes to a clean air, and reduces the greenhouse gas emission. And since water is a renewable resource, there is unlimited source of energy while maintaining a very low cost in power generation.

The establishment of the Mini-Hydro is also an effort of the local government to address global warming and promote sustainable growth.

Written by Lala Peñafiel

Sources and references:
Ligao City Slaughterhouse Enhancement Project Proposal
City Planning and Development Office
City Engineer's Office

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Ligao City inaugurates hydroelectric powered Class "AA" Slaughterhouse