What you need to know about the 1400MW Ahunan Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project

November 28, 2022

The 1400 MW Ahunan Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project, also known as Ahunan Dam, is planned to be built on the east bank of Laguna de Bay in the Municipality of Pakil, Laguna, Region IV-A (CALABARZON). The project area covers 299.40 ha across the barangays (village) of Baño, Burgos, Rizal, and Taft (Figure 2).

Investing $1.1 billion, tycoon Enrique Razon’s Prime Metro Power Holdings Corp. and JBD Water Power Inc. formed on September 17, 2020 the project proponent Ahunan Power Inc. According to the project timeline, the planning, permit processing, and feasibility studies for the Ahunan Dam were anticipated to start in the third quarter of 2021 while the completion (commercial operation stage) of the dam is targeted for the first quarter of 2027. It is projected to contribute an additional 1,400 MW, which will help realize the goal of the Clean Energy Scenario.

The 1400-MW hydropower project has drawn criticism from locals and groups concerned about its potential effects on nearby communities, which might exacerbate local floods and typhoon effects. Over 300 hectares of land are expected to be impacted by the Ahunan Hydropower Project. So-called development initiatives, including those using renewable energy, should constantly take these social and environmental expenses into account in light of the growing effects of climate change.