PNOC Renewables Corp., a subsidiary of the state-run Philippine National Oil Co., is looking for partners to develop at least 11 mini-hydropower projects with a combined capacity of up to 300 MW.

Already, two projects are in advanced stages of development – 6.8-MW Langogan in Palawan and a 7-MW project in Negros Oriental.

PNOC Renewables President Pete Maniego said the company would like to form a private-sector partnership to develop the projects.

“We will take on partners – either local or foreign partners,” Maniego said.

He said the state-run company would like to implement at least four of the 11 projects in 2010.

PNOC also may develop the 23.5 MW Timbaban hydropower project in Ma. Cristina Madalag, Aklan, and the 17.8 MW Catuiran project in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. These projects are expected to ease the looming power crisis in the Visayas. What’s more, they are expected to displace a significant amount of diesel consumption in the province of Mindoro. (From HydroWorld.com)