SNAP, NPC sign agreement for watershed conservation in Benguet

SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) is dedicated to supplying clean and sustainable energy while upholding environmental sustainability in its operational areas. On November 7, 2023, SNAP formalized its commitment by entering into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Power Corporation (NPC) for the adoption of a 1,000-hectare watershed area within the 2.5-kilometer radius surrounding the Ambuklao and Binga reservoirs.

The signing ceremony, held at NPC's head office in Quezon City, was presided over by SNAP's President and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Yu, and NPC President and CEO, Fernando Martin Roxas. SNAP and NPC have been collaborating on watershed and environmental initiatives since the signing of a Technical Cooperation Agreement in 2010. Under the government’s privatization program in 2008, NPC transferred ownership and operation of the 112.5-megawatt (MW) Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power facilities to SNAP, while retaining ownership and management of the dams and reservoirs.

The recently inked MOA outlines the adoption of the watershed area to align SNAP’s watershed management programs with the goal of enhancing conservation and protection of the Upper Agno River Watershed. This agreement encompasses the preservation of the 2.5-km area surrounding the Ambuklao and Binga reservoirs, encompassing activities such as forest fire protection, rehabilitation and restoration efforts, agroforestry, and riverbank stabilization. Since 2011, SNAP and NPC, in collaboration with local government and indigenous peoples' organizations, have implemented various initiatives like tree planting, biodiversity conservation, reforestation, and watershed protection.

The MOA is consistent with NPC's Energy Sector Carbon Sequestration Initiative, aiming for the swift rehabilitation of open and depleted areas in its watersheds. As part of this initiative, SNAP committed in 2022 to rehabilitate and maintain 50 hectares within the Upper Agno River Watershed, with 20 hectares already completed. This aligns with SNAP’s broader commitment to fortify its sustainability endeavors by incorporating environmental, social, and governance principles into its operations.

SNAP, in partnership with community development collaborators, is actively contributing to mitigating the impacts of climate change, fostering biodiversity, and safeguarding water resources to pave the way for a sustainable energy future.

About SNAP Group:

SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) is a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP).

Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy in emerging markets. As a long-term player, they develop, build, own and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.6 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. They are committed to growing their renewable energy capacity, delivered by their 800 passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of ‘Improving our Future’. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘SCATC’.

AP is the holding company of the Philippines-based Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.

SNAP owns and operates the 112.5-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plants in Benguet; the Magat hydroelectric power plant which has a nameplate capacity of 360 MW and maximum capacity of 388 MW on the border of Isabela and Ifugao; and the 8.5-MW Maris hydro in Isabela. The non-power components such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned, managed, and operated by the government.