Nestled in Northern Samar, Capul Island is set to provide an example of sustainable energy for its 12,323 residents with Southeast Asia’s first tidal power plant.
This 1 MW project, led by Energies PH in collaboration with UK’s Inyanga Marine, employs HydroWing tidal stream technology. These are underwater turbines that will capture the swift currents in the San Bernardino Strait.
Scheduled for commercial operation this year, it aims to replace the diesel generators in the island’s “off-grid microgrid”. The exact cost is unknown, but it has been estimated at P235 million to P352.5 million
While both wave energy and tidal energy tap marine power, the origins of their power are different. Wave energy harnesses surface waves driven by wind using devices like buoys or oscillating columns. Tidal energy stems from gravitational pulls of the moon and sun, creating reliable twice-daily cycles. Technologies like submerged turbines thrive in specific straits, offering consistent output.
The levelized cost of energy for tidal stream technology stands at roughly P18,900 per MWh, potentially dropping to P9,450 per MWh on a larger scale. Wave energy costs around P12,978 MWh.