- Amended COC reflects Binga’s recent capacity increase to 140 MW
- Rating upgrade is result of commissioning tests showing Binga could generate as much as 35 MW at “rated head”
SNAP-Benguet received on April 15 a copy of an amended Certificate of Compliance (COC) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the Binga Hydroelectric Power Plant’s four units.The amended COC reflects Binga’s capacity increase from 125.8 MW (31.45 MW for each of the four units) to 140 MW (now 35 MW each) following uprating work that began last December 2 and completed last February 23.
The uprating was a result of commissioning tests that showed Binga could generate as high as 35 MW at “rated head,” or the water depth for which a hydroelectric generator and turbines were designed. Binga was uprated to its maximum capacity without technically changing much of the existing equipment.
The Binga plant has an economic life of 48 years. The COC is valid for five years, reckoned from March 12, 2012 (the date of the approved COC for Unit 4, the first unit to be re-powered) or until March 12, 2017.
Previously, Binga underwent refurbishment in 2010 to increase its capacity from 100 MW to 125 MW and was inaugurated in October 2013 after almost three years of refurbishment work that entailed the construction of a new headrace and intake, modernization of plant control systems, replacement of electro-mechanical components, and installation of new auxiliary equipment.