SN Aboitiz Power's (SNAP) 8.5MW run-of-rive hydropower project on the Magat river, located in the Philippines in Ramon, Isabela, is all set to start its commercial operations this November.

This was announced by SNAP President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph S. Yu during the second Philippine Hydro Summit in Makati City, Aboitiz Power said in a disclosure with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

Yu said the project is now 85 percent complete.

“This is our first project to come through our greenfield pipeline so we are very excited. We have been working hard to ensure we finish on time and within budget, as well as within safety, social, and environmental standards. Barangay Ambatali is also now our host barangay, a welcome addition to what we hope would be a growing number of SNAP host communities," he said.

The project targets to use the water flow from Maris Reservoir into Maris Main (South) Diversion Canal. It is situated in the village of Ambatali, at the lower part of SNAP’s large hydro plant – Magat.

Yu said large hydro companies like SNAP face big challenges as such as social acceptability, market viability and complex processes.

“But we are gaining momentum in the permitting process so we hope to continue working with the government, indigenous peoples' representatives, and industry partners. When managed responsibly, large hydro can power positive change for the country, industry, and communities," he added.