Energies PH, through its affiliate San Bernardino Ocean Power Corporation, has inked a deal with Inyanga Marine Energy Group to construct what is touted as Southeast Asia's inaugural tidal power generation plant. The chosen location for this historic project is the remote Capul Island in Northern Samar, Philippines, situated along the San Bernardino Strait renowned for its robust marine currents.
The engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the 1MW project, expected to go live in late 2025, has been entrusted to Inyanga Marine Energy Group. The initiative will leverage Inyanga's HydroWing tidal stream technology, connecting the turbines to the existing electrical network of Capul, an off-grid island presently reliant on a 750kW diesel power plant.
The initial phase of the project involves the establishment of a 1MW tidal power plant integrated into a microgrid network alongside solar PV and energy storage. This strategic combination aims to provide a dependable, sustainable, and economically competitive alternative to fossil-fuel-based power generation.
Antonio Ver, co-chairman and chief executive of Energies PH, shared his vision for the project, stating, “As we embark on this pioneering tidal power plant for the Philippines, our vision is to replicate this in several off-grid sites all over the country to provide electricity in the hinterlands.”
Ver emphasized the potential impact on remote communities, stating, “The electric power that reaches families in remote areas enables them to have better access to education, health services as well as livelihood opportunities.”
Inyanga Marine Energy Group's CEO, Richard Parkinson, expressed anticipation for the collaboration, highlighting the predictability and reliability of tidal stream energy. Parkinson stated, “Tidal stream energy is the most predictable and reliable form of renewable energy. Our HydroWing technology is at the cutting edge of innovation and provides a cost-effective solution to harvesting the power of the ocean's tides.”
Jean-Christophe Allo, commercial manager at Inyanga, added further insight, stating, “This exciting project will create a step change for the remote community on Capul. It will bring tidal energy to the region of Southeast Asia for the first time.”
Allo emphasized the project's significant impact, noting, “As the project incorporates an onshore storage facility, the tidal turbines will provide continuous 24/7 power supply. Right now, Capul has only 8 to 16 hours of energy per day, with several blackouts. We will provide a 24/7 reliable and renewable electricity.”
San Bernardino Ocean Power Corporation has additional plans for tidal power generation sites in San Antonio Island, Northern Samar, and Calintaan Island in Matnog, Sorsogon, as part of their future deployment strategy.
