Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant

Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant Project Background:

The Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant (AHEPP) is situated in Benguet
province, Luzon Island, Philippines, along the Agno River. Originally built and owned
by the National Power Corporation (NPC). Currently owned and operated by SN
Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP) under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)
agreement since 2008. According to Global Data, who tracks and profiles over
170,000 power plants worldwide, the project is currently active. Between steep valley
walls of dense vegetative terrain, they established sites on the flats of the floodplain
banks, where the natural waterway flowed prior to construction of the Ambuklao dam
wall. Following laboratory testing and compliance, aggregates were sourced and
screened from the local riverbank. It has been developed in a single phase. The
project construction commenced in 1950 and subsequently entered commercial
operation in 1956. The project is considered one of the first large-scale hydroelectric
power plants built in the Philippines. It is initially operated by NPC, Currently
operated and maintained by SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP) under the BOT
agreement. Ambuklao hydroelectric power plant plays a crucial role in the Luzon
grid, contributing 105 MW of installed capacity and 75 MW of dependable capacity.
Aims to provides clean and renewable energy generation. Also contributes to flood
control and irrigation in the surrounding areas. Currently, there are no official plans
for further expansion of the Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant. However, the
owner, SN Aboitiz Power, is actively involved in renewable energy projects and may
explore further development in the future depending on various factors. The AHEPP
underwent rehabilitation and modernization between 2008 and 2011, which helped
improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan. The project faced challenges like
siltation due to the 1990 earthquake and required specific rehabilitation measures to
address the issue. Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant stands as a significant
landmark in Philippine power generation history, contributing clean energy and
playing a vital role in the Luzon grid. While future expansion plans are not confirmed,
its continued operation and the expertise of the current owner ensure its continued
relevance in the years to come.

Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant Technical Design Details:

 The Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant (AHEPP) is a run-of-the-river power
plant located in Benguet, Philippines. It was constructed between 1950 and 1956
and underwent rehabilitation and modernization during 2008-2011. Here's a
summary of its technical design details:
Installed Capacity: 105 MW (3 x 35 MW Francis turbines)
Dependable Capacity: 75 MW
Reservoir Details:
Capacity: 327 million cubic meters
Gross Head: 179.35 meters
Net Head: 154.3 meters
Penstock Diameter: 3.4 meters
Type of Turbine: 3 x Francis turbines (supplied by Andritz Hydro)
Generator: 3 x 27.8 MVA generators (supplied by General Electric)

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Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant, Philippines
The power plant has a headrace tunnel with a diameter of 6.8 meters and a length of
191 meters, which trifurcates into three penstocks. The tailrace tunnel has a length
of 2 kilometers and a diameter of 2 meters. The powerhouse and valve chamber
were refurbished during the rehabilitation project. It's important to note that the
dependable capacity (75 MW) is lower than the installed capacity (105 MW) because
it considers factors like equipment availability and water flow variations.