Magat

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As the water source for almost 85 000 hectares of rice fields downstream, Magat`s main purpose is irrigation.

The plant 

The plant is served by a large reservoir with a usable storage capacity of 933 million cubic meters, the equivalent of about two months’ production. The reservoir and dam, including the intake gates, are owned and operated by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), who also dictate the water level in Magat’s reservoir. Re-regulating facilities are constructed downstream of the Magat power plant and are also owned and operated by NIA.

Operation

Magat is designed as a peaking plant, and each generating unit has the capability to be on-line and deliver electricity to the system in less than two minutes. The units are started/stopped approximately 300 times a year. During periods of overflow, some energy is delivered outside peaking hours.

25 per cent of Magat’s output has Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). The rest is sold at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). To optimize use of energy, Magat is operated mainly during peak hours when it can meet the need for electricity while also taking irrigation requirements into account.

Construction

The Magat project was initiated in 1975, but it was not until 1980 that construction work started and three years later in 1983 the plant was in commercial operation.

Development

The plant is prepared for extension. Inlet arrangements for two more units are built in the existing dam construction. Investigation into the expansion of Magat in ongoing and may enhance capacity from 70 to 100 per cent.

Sustainable development

Magat forms an important backbone in the local community both from employment and local revenue perspectives. Upon taking over Magat, SN Aboitiz Power retained almost the entire workforce.

CSR programs are established to enable the company to do strategic development projects in all Magat’s host communities. The programs focus the support on self-sustainable long-term projects strengthening Environmental Management, Livelihood and Eco-tourism, Primary Healthcare, Education and Social Infrastructure. Significant watershed management programs are also implemented.