Prime Infra engages manager for hydro projects
The Razon Group’s Prime Infrastructure Holdings Corp. has tapped global consultancy and construction firm Mace to enhance management of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of pumped storage hydroelectric power projects.
In a statement on Wednesday, Prime Infra said the agreement involves creating a project management office (PMO) for the 600 MW Wawa and 1,400 MW Pakil projects.
United Kingdom-based Mace is in charge of establishing a PMO framework for both projects, augmenting the efficiency, governance and execution of its existing management structure.
“Mace will implement a phased approach that covers all aspects of the project—people, organization, process, information and technology, integrating these into a streamlined, transparent and results-driven project management system,” Prime Infra said.
Located in Rizal province, the Wawa project is designed to run at 600 MW and store 6,000 megawatt-hours of electricity. It is slated to begin commercial operations by 2029.
The Pakil project in Laguna is touted as one of the largest pumped storage power plants in Asia, with an output of 1,400 MW and storage capacity of 14,000 MWh. It is targeted to be operational by 2030.
“Delivering the Wawa and Pakil projects on schedule is critical to meeting the country’s energy needs. Mace’s proven expertise in project management enhances both the efficiency and structure of our existing execution processes,” Prime Infra president and CEO Guillaume Lucci said.
Certified
Both pumped storage facilities received certificates of energy project of national significance from the Department of Energy, which states their importance in driving energy development nationwide.
The certification means relevant government agencies will prioritize their applications and fast-track the issuance of necessary permits and clearances to construct big-ticket energy projects.
It also received green lane endorsements from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Board of Investments.
Prime Infra said the pumped storage projects will help the government achieve 35 percent renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2050.
