TACLOBAN CITY: A PHP500-million 3.18-megawatt (MW) hydroelectric power plant will rise in Happy Valley village in San Isidro, Northern Samar, expanding alternative energy sources in the province. Jhon Allen Berbon, Northern Samar provincial economic development and investment promotions office (PEDIPO) head, said officials held a groundbreaking of the project on Sunday. The plant is up for completion in 2028. According to Philippines News Agency, the plant will be built under a joint venture between Energy and Building Applications Technologies Corporation (EBATECH) and Northern Samar Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORSAMELCO). "This hydroelectric project of EBATECH will be integrated into the NORSAMELCO distribution system, allowing generated power to bypass transmission costs. This setup is expected to reduce power costs for member consumers by PHP0.4482 per kilowatt-hour," Berbon said in a phone interview Monday. Half of the income of NORSAMELCO from this project is intended to reduce distribution charges f or consumers, while the other half will fund improvements in the electric cooperative's service delivery. In a statement, Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan underscored the importance of bringing alternative energy sources to Northern Samar, recognizing the role renewable energy projects play in the province's sustainable development. EBATECH, a leading company in energy and building solutions with 17 years of industry experience, has brought renewable energy projects totaling 375 MW and substation projects amounting to 535 megavolt-amperes (MVA) nationwide. "The San Isidro hydroelectric project is the latest addition to their growing portfolio, utilizing advanced hydropower technology to harness Northern Samar's natural resources," Berbon said. This new renewable energy project is just one of the renewable energy ventures. Recently, Ongchuan had key meetings with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Gemini Wind Energy Corp. for upcoming offshore and onshore wind energy projects. "These collaborations reinforce the provincial government's advocacy for a bio-circular green economy, where renewable resources are maximized and environmental impact minimized. The ongoing partnerships also position Northern Samar as a promising site for large-scale renewable energy investments, which are essential to meeting national and global sustainability goals," Berbon added. He said Northern Samar has created an investment-friendly environment that welcomes projects like EBATECH's hydroelectric plant. Green Lane, officially known as the Northern Samar One-Stop-Action Center for Strategic Investment, is a new process that seeks to streamline the process of obtaining business permits and licenses in the province. The provincial government set up the green lane in January this year. Under the green lane, business permits and licenses at the town and village levels are obtained by having one point of transaction through the provincial capitol.