WHAT IS HYDRPOPWER?

Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is one of the oldest and largest sources of

renewable energy, which uses the elevation difference, created by a dam or diversion structure of
water flowing in on one side and out to generate electricity. This is achieved
by converting the gravitational potential or kinetic energy of a water source to produce power.

Hydropower is an affordable source of electricity that costs less than most. Since

hydropower relies only on the energy from moving water, states that get the majority of their
electricity from hydropower, like Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, have lower energy bills than
the rest of the country.

HOW HYDROPOWER WORKS?

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HYDROPOWER?

The benefits of hydropower have been recognized and harnessed for thousands of years.

In addition to being a clean and cost-effective form of energy, hydropower plants can provide
power to the grid immediately, serving as a flexible and reliable form of backup power during
major electricity outages or disruptions. Hydropower also produces a number of benefits outside
of electricity generation, such as flood control, irrigation support, and water supply. Another
benefit or advantages of this plant is the emission free because it does not release emissions into
the atmosphere.

DISADVANTAGE

Though this power plant comprises of many advantages we cannot deny the fact that it
also contains some disadvantages. Like for example is the initial cost of this plant, even though it
doesn’t need fuel but the initial cost is higher compared to the other plant. Another disadvantage
is the risk of flood since dam is built at higher elevations, they pose a serious threat to the area
below the plant it happens when there is excess rainfall from a typhoon. Hydropower plants can
be impacted by drought and as climate change continues to heat up it can affect this plant and
when water is not available it cannot produce electricity.

Philippines’s Renewable Energy Potential

In 2011, the country adopted an ambitious plan aiming at 15.3 GW renewable power
capacity by 2030 and over 20 GW by 2040. To achieve that, the National Renewable
Energy Program (NREP) intends to:

 Increase geothermal capacity by 75% (target – 2027)

 Increase hydropower capacity by 160% (target – 2023)
 Deliver additional 277 MW biomass power capacity (achieved in 2015)
 Add additional 2,345 MW wind power capacity (target – 2022)
 Develop an ocean energy facility (target – 2025)
But

according to the WWF-Philippines’ Building Momentum for Low Carbon Development

study, an even more ambitious scenario of 100% renewable energy is feasible. The
reason for optimism is rooted in the country’s vast potential. The report suggests that
the Philippines can further develop 1,200 MW geothermal, 2,308 MW hydropower, 235
MW biomass, and 7,404 MW wind generation capacity before 2030.

What is the current status of renewable power generation in the Philippines?

Renewable Energy investments have already saved the Philippines PHP4.04 billion,
according to a Philippine Electricity Market Corporation report. Climate change
solutions-provider World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) said that offsetting
the cost of expensive fossil-fuels saved each Pinoy consumer 5.67 centavos,
simultaneously generating more local jobs and reducing the country’s share of carbon
emissions by an impressive 2.8 million tons. Today, the Philippines is considered
among the world leaders in renewable energy, with over 47% of the total final energy
consumption coming from green sources.

What is the future of renewable energy in the Philippines?

Last year, the Philippines saw many victories in the ongoing battle against the climate
crisis and push for sustainable energy resources. Recently, the DOE announced that
the Philippines is ready to make the shift to alternative energy, and is pushing for
renewable, low-carbon, and no-carbon energy sources to fulfill the country’s energy
demands. Transitioning to clean energy will be initially expensive and time-consuming,
but the long-term benefits that the country will reap would be worth it in the end.

Give one example of a power plant in the Philippines that utilizes renewable
energy (based on the topic assigned to you). Discuss the current state and other
technical info.
AMBUKLAO DAM

Ambuklao Dam is part of a hydroelectric facility in Brgy. Ambuclao, Bokod, Benguet

province in the Philippines.

With maximum water storage capacity of 327,170,000 cubic meter (265,240 acre-ft), the
facility, which is located 36 km (22 mi) from Baguio city, can produce up to 105
megawatts of electricity to Luzon grid. The main source of water comes from the Agno
River which originates from Mount Data. It is located in a conservation area known as
the Upper Agno River Basin Resource Reserve. The dam and other non-power
components are owned by the government through the National Power Corporation
(NAPOCOR).

Construction began - July 1950

Opening date -Dec. 23, 1956

Construction cost - Php 132,000,000 (66,000,000 USD)

Owner(s) - National Power Corporation

Type of dam - Central Core Rock-fill Embankment

Height - 129 m (423 ft)

Length - 452 m (1,483 ft)

Width (base) - 8.50 m (27.9 ft)

Creates - Ambuklao reservoir

Total capacity - 327,170,000 m3 (427,920,000 cu yd) with no sedimentation

Active capacity - 258,000,000 m3 (337,000,000 cu yd) with no sedimentation

Catchment area - 690 km2 (270 sq mi)

Surface area - 7.5 km2 (2.9 sq mi)

Turbines - 3 units, Francis horizontal shaft

Installed capacity - 75 MW, 105 MW after rehabilitation (2011)

Annual generation - 332 GWh (1,200 TJ)

Aside from being a dam, Ambuklao is now considered a sight to see in Benguet. Local
and tourists began to see this sight as a touristattraction for a picnic site. With Benguet’s
pine trees, it has become a haven for picnic lovers while doing some outdoor activities
in the area. Here, tourists can do boating as it’s the locals’ primary means of
transportation there. Swimming or snorkeling is prohibited though, but Ambuklao has
provided a view deck where you can take great photos of the scenery. Ambuklao is a
great place to go as a side trip as it can make you feel relaxed on your vacation. Here,
you’ll see a perfect spot for soul-searching as you are surrounded by nature’s beauty –
cloudy skies, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Cross the hanging bridge if you want to
put some adventure during your trip