SMEC has secured a major contract to provide owner's engineering services for the 500MW Wawa Pumped Storage Project in the Philippines.
Located in the Province of Rizal, approximately 40km east of the National Capital Region, the Wawa project holds significance as it endeavors to introduce an energy storage asset capable of delivering mid-merit and peak energy to the Philippine power market. This ambitious project is poised to bolster the stability of the Luzon power grid while simultaneously providing affordable, dependable, and eco-friendly power. Furthermore, it is aligned with the Philippine Government's pursuit of achieving a minimum 35% renewable energy share in the total generation mix by 2030.
Owned by Olympia Violago Water and Power Inc. (OVWPI), this project responds to shifts in the power supply contract landscape by breaking down construction into two distinct phases. Phase 1 encompasses the Lower Inlet/Outlet, Lower Gate Shaft, part of the Tailrace Tunnel (TRT), and other components in the inundation area, while Phase 2 covers the remaining system.
SMEC's involvement in Phase 1 encompasses a comprehensive range of services, including a project redesign to increase plant capacity to 600MW, updating the Feasibility Study, and offering support to OVWPI for the issuance of contract variations with the EPC Contractor. This includes changes in the Employer's Requirement, proposal evaluation, contract negotiation support, design review, and on-site supervision.
The successful collaboration between SMEC's seasoned professionals, the EPC Contractor, and the Employer will play a pivotal role in steering the project towards its anticipated Phase 1 completion in August 2024.
Commenting on the contract, Gabriel Zamudio Jr., VP for Power & Energy at SMEC Philippines, stated: "The Wawa 500MW Pumped Storage Project underscores SMEC's dedication to delivering innovative, sustainable, and efficient engineering solutions. We are enthusiastic about our renewed involvement in this transformative project that will significantly impact the Philippines' energy landscape."
