The Philippine department of energy has given the go-ahead to Oceantera Energy Corp to start pre-development of a utility scale tidal power project.
The Northwest Capul energy project service contract permits Oceantera – a joint venture between UK outfit Aquatera and south-east Asian renewables company OceanPixel – to kick off work for the project within a 2600-hectare site in the San Bernardino region of the Philippines.
The companies have been collaborating on a broad range of activities over the last five years in the region, including the deployments of two tidal demonstration plants in Singapore and Indonesia.
Oceantera has also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Philippines-based Poseidon Energy Corp to co-develop several projects.
Oceantera managing director Ian Hutchison said: “The approval of the Northwest Capul energy project service contract and Oceantera’s partnership with Poseidon, are key milestones in the development of a long-term, sustainable ocean energy sector in south-east Asia.
“By working with key stakeholders, the regional and international supply chain and local communities, we hope that we can contribute to the global effort in combating the effects of climate change and to provide remote and island communities in south-east Asia with clean, affordable and reliable power and other essential services.
“Through responsible, sustainable development, Oceantera aims to stimulate economic growth, increase energy security, international collaboration, local capacity building and employment opportunities in South East Asia.”