LAMUT, Ifugao, June 14 (PIA) - - The local government unit (LGU) here has approved the framework agreement for the proposed Alimit Hydropower by hydropower generation firm., the SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) Group.

Mayor Mariano Buyagawan, Jr. and Vice Mayor Adryan Chaguile and Joseph Yu, SNAP's President and Chief Executive officer signed the said agreement for the proposed hydropower. This was concurred by the Lamut municipal council through Resolution No. 2019-18-041 endorsing the Alimit project.

With this development, all host LGUs or municipalities of the Alimit Hydropower namely Aguinaldo, Lagawe, Mayoyao and Lamut have signified their approval for what is set to be Ifugao's first large-scale hydropower facility.

The agreement outlines the cooperation, collaboration, and obligations between and among SNAP as project proponent and the municipalities as hosts during the development and operation phase of the project.

"We believe that meaningful collaboration with our stakeholders and communities can help propel our country toward a more energy-secure future. We are thankful for the support and trust that the concerned LGUs have extended to SNAP and the Alimit Project," Yu said.

The first phase of the project entails the construction of the 120-megawatt Alimit Plant and the 20-MW Olilicon Plant. The capital outlay for this phase is expected to be between US$450 to US$550 million. The second phase of the complex includes the 250-MW Alimit pumped storage facility.

SNAP is a joint venture of SN Power of Norway and AboitizPower. It owns and operates the 360 to 388-MW Magat hydro on the border of Isabela and Ifugao; the 8.5-MW Maris hydro in Isabela, and the 105-MW Ambuklao hydro and the 140-MW Binga hydro, both in Benguet. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)