The document discusses various power plant options for generating electricity, including coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear, and alternative energy sources. It provides pros and cons of each option. Coal and oil power plants are low cost but produce more greenhouse gas emissions and have environmental impacts from mining and disposal of waste. Natural gas produces less emissions than coal or oil but reserves are limited. Nuclear energy has low fuel costs but high capital costs, safety and waste disposal concerns. Alternative energy sources like solar, wind and hydro are renewable but have limitations in scale of production. An optimal solution needs to consider costs, environmental impacts, sustainability and safety.

1. Nuclear or Alternative?
Submitted by:
Shaina Michaela V. Heyres
Fourth Year - Diamond
Submitted to:
Sir Ariel C. Lalisan
Physics 4 - Adviser
December 10, 2013

2. I. INTRODUCTION
Energy cannot be created nor destroyed, but it can be transformed. This phrase has been living
through the centuries since the law of conservation of energy has been stated and since Albert
Einstein has developed his theory of relativity. According to him, matter and energy are
connected. Matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed but they can be converted from
one form to another. Humankind already has discovered so many great ideas and inventions out
of sheer serendipity and some have been living up until today. With the continuous search for
development and more answers to needs, scientists have soon discovered that energy can be
transformed into Heat, Light, Sound, Mechanical, Chemical, Magnetic etc. Then on, these were
later found out to be able to light up homes, establishments, malls, etc. and with the growing
demand for energy to be able to get such mechanisms work, power plants have therefore been
introduced.
The plant that produces electricity is called as power plant. The other names for the power plant
are power station, power house, and generating plant. In power plants the chemical energy within
the fuel is converted into electrical energy, which can be used for various domestic purposes.
The power plants can be either small or large. The small power plants are usually installed in the
industries to fulfill their daily power needs without having to depend on the external power
agency for supplying of the power. The large power plants can fulfill the power needs of the
whole city or a number of cities where millions of people reside. The large power plants can also
fulfill the electric power requirements of number of industries. In the ships, aircrafts and large
vehicles the power generation units are also called as power plants. Such types of power plants

3. fulfill
the
power
requirements
of
the
individual
vehicles.
http://www.brighthubengineering.com/power-plants/18686-what-are-power-plants/
Alternative energy is any form of energy that does not come from fossil fuels. They are
considered alternative because they can be future replacements for fossil fuels that now meet a
considerable portion of our energy needs. These sources are often renewable. Unlike most fossil
fuels, they are easily available and do not have finite supply. Some well-known types of these are
solar power and wind power. Among many types of renewable energy sources, solar power is the
most essential to human beings because this is a resource that will not run out anytime soon and
will be around for an estimate of 1 billion years. http://www.universetoday.com/74599/
Nuclear energy originates from the splitting of uranium atoms in a process called fission. At the
power plant, the fission process is used to generate heat for producing steam, which is used by a
turbine
to
generate
electricity.
http://www.westinghousenuclear.com/Community/WhatIsNuclearEnergy.shtm A Nuclear power
plant is a thermal power station in which the heat source is a nuclear reactor. As is typical in all
conventional thermal power stations the heat is used to generate steam which drives a steam
turbine
connected
to
a
generator
which
produces
electricity.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_plant. The economics of new nuclear power plants is a
controversial subject, and multi-billion dollar investments ride on the choice of an energy source.
Nuclear power plants typically have high capital costs, but low direct fuel costs, with the costs of
fuel extraction, processing, use and spent fuel storage internalized costs. Therefore, comparison
with other power generation methods is strongly dependent on assumptions about construction
timescales and capital financing for nuclear plants.

4. Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest ways in providing energy and is also one of the most
dangerous. If these were not put under standards, many will be affected by its radioactive
composition and death tolls will rise. Somehow, this will be a great contribution in providing
energy in the Philippines but then on, considerations are yet still to be made to decide whether
which of these two power generating plants will be introduced to continue sustaining the
growing demand of power in the nation.

5. II. BODY
In the 21st century, the world population of humanity has dramatically increased. Competition for spaces
has become drastic, and humanity has furthermore been struggling for survival. Each one of us has been
vying for personal spaces and homes to take shelter. Power plants have been introduced to sustain such .
All over the country, there a big number of power plants that is operational. They range from coal-fired
plants to diesel-fired plants. Although operating for years now, these plants have their own advantages
and disadvantages that has been considered and debated upon before they were put up and began
operating. The table below shows the different types of plants, its advantages, disadvantages and the
source’s comments on these. http://ramblingsdc.net/index.html
Fuel
Advantages
Coal
Apparently
plentiful: we will
probably not run
out of easily
mined coal in the
next few decades.
It has been
believed that the
world's coal
reserves would
last a century or
more, but some
recent research
has indicated that
this was
optimistic.
Comments
Not sustainable
Low cost
Disadvantages
Coal has an 'unfair' advantage
over 'cleaner' forms of power
generation in that the power
station operators do not have to
pay for the damage that they
are doing to the atmosphere.
See: No level playing field.
Requires around 1.7 million
litres of fresh water for each
gigawatt-hour of electricity
generated.
Produces more carbon dioxide
(CO2) per Watt-hour of energy
than any other generation
method.
The methods of mining coal can
be very destructive, although
responsible coal miners do a
remarkably good job of restoring
the land after the coal has been
mined out.
A coal-fired power station
generates a large amount of
energy in a relatively small area
compared to most renewable
methods. However, when all
the land required for mining
and disposal of ash is taken into
account coal does not have any
space advantage over several
sustainable methods.
Very large quantities of ash have
to be disposed of and a lot of
smoke is produced, although in
The misleading term 'clean
coal' is sometimes used to refer
to coal-fired power stations that

6. modern power stations most of
the latter is separated from the
waste gas stream and disposed of
with the ash.
Coal contains substances such as
sulfur, arsenic, selenium,
mercury and the radioactive
elements uranium, thorium,
radium and radon (see USGS).
When the coal is mined and
burned these substances can be
released into the environment.
Burned sulfur is one of the main
causes of acid rain, but most
modern coal-fired power stations
remove most of the sulfur oxides
from the released gasses.
War time – For maximum
efficiency coal fired power
stations must be big. They
therefore present a desirable
target for enemy attack.
Fuel
Advantages
Disadvantages
efficiently extract substances
like sulfur from the coal, either
before or after burning. It is
impossible to burn coal without
producing carbon dioxide, so
all coal-fired power stations are
dirty in this sense. However, it
is possible to dispose of
(sequestrate) the carbon dioxide
so that it is not released into the
atmosphere for a long time. As
of the time of writing (Feb.
2006) this has not been done
for a commercial scale power
station.
It seems that some coal-fired
power stations that are not
economically viable are being
kept in operation because
decommissioning and cleaning
up would be more expensive
than keeping them going.
Comments
Not sustainable
Low cost
Generators are
very compact
Natural
gas
Produces less CO2
than oil and much
less than coal
Requires much
less water than
coal fired power
stations
Produces carbon dioxide. (CO2),
which is an important
greenhouse gas.
The world's natural gas reserves
are limited, but not so limited as
oil reserves.
Seismic surveys of the sea-bed
cause death and injuries to
marine species.
Leakage of methane to the
atmosphere, very difficult to
quantify, increases the
greenhouse effect.
At the rate we are using natural
gas our children will see the
price rise so much that it will
no longer be economical as a
fuel. In a more far sighted
world natural gas would be
reserved for more valuable uses
than burning as fuel. We are
consuming our children's
heritage. Also see: No level
playing field.

7. Fuel
Advantages
Disadvantages
Comments
Not sustainable
Produces carbon dioxide (CO2),
which is an important
greenhouse gas.
Requires a substantial amount of
cooling water.
Low cost
Generators are
very compact.
Oil
Produces less CO2
than coal and
requires much less
water than coal
The world's oil reserves are
limited.
Oil spills, especially at sea,
cause severe pollution.
Some oils contain high levels of
sulfur. See the note on sulfur
under coal, above.
The world's supply of oil is
limited; see Peak Oil.
Seismic surveys of the sea-bed
cause death and injuries to
marine species.
At the rate we are using oil our
children will see the price rise
so much that it will no longer
be economical as a fuel. In a
more far sighted world oil
would be reserved for more
valuable uses than burning as
fuel. We are consuming our
children's heritage. Also see:
No level playing field.
Shale oil is oil that can be
extracted from shale by mining
a shale that is saturated with
oil, and roasting it at about 500
degrees Celsius to extract the
oil. For more detail see Shale
oil in 'Notes' on my page
Heating Efficiencies and
Greenhouse.
Non fossil fuel large-scale power generation methods: Table 2
The power stations considered in this section are large stand-alone operations that generally
supply
power
to
a
distribution
grid.
Electricity generation methods on home heating efficiencies gives more information on the
greenhouse gas production levels and efficiency of various electrical generation methods.
The note, No level playing field is relevant to the true comparative cost of fossil fuel and non

8. fossil fuel electricity. These power generation methods do not, in themselves, result in a net
increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. http://ramblingsdc.net/index.html
Technology
Advantages
Disadvantages
Uses a renewable fuel.
Biogas
Consumes methane that
might otherwise leak
into the atmosphere and
increase the greenhouse
effect, so the waste is
converted into a less
harmful form at the
same time and in the
same operation; a winwin operation.
Biogas can also be used
on a small scale, eg. a
pig farm.
Technology
Advantages
Uses a renewable fuel.
Biomass
(including
firewood)
No net addition of
carbon to the
atmosphere (the CO2
released into the
atmosphere by burning
one crop is taken out by
growing the next).
Very limited in the
quantity of electricity it
can produce on the
global scale.
There is little or no
control on the rate of
gas production,
although the gas can, to
some extent, be stored
and used as required.
Comments
The biogas that I am
considering here is that
produced from buried
organic waste, as in a
land-fill rubbish dump,
or from sewerage. It is
also possible to produce
flamable gas from
materials such as wood.
It is non-polluting in
that it does not produce
any net increase in
atmospheric carbon
dioxide so long as the
biological material
being used is replaced
sustainably.
Disadvantages
Comments
A large area of land is
required for the
production of the fuel
(eg. wood lot or cane
field) per MW of power
generated.
Biomass includes
firewood; see
environmental aspects
of burning firewood on
this site.
The sustainability of the
Because of the above
production and
point, this method can
replacement of the
never generate enough
biomass is of critical
power to satisfy a major importance to the ethics
part of current
of using biomass as a
demands.
source of energy.
Burns organic matter
that might be better
returned to the land for
soil improvement.
My page, Energy
Calculator calculates
the relative costs of
firewood and several

9. other fuels in terms of
energy per dollar.
Technology
Advantages
Disadvantages
Comments
It can only be
developed in selected
volcanic areas, so it can
never be a major
contributor to the world
energy supply
I have used 'geothermal'
in relation to the
capture and use of
more-or-less natural
steam in volcanic areas;
distinct from 'hot dry
rock', which is
discussed elsewhere.
Disadvantages
Comments
Sustainable
Relatively low cost for
renewable energy,
US$0.06 to $0.08/kWh.
Geothermal
Non-polluting; little
environmental impact
since the steam would
be released to the
atmosphere with or
without the power
generation.
Technology
Advantages
Compact; a large
amount of electrical
power can be produced
by a moderately sized
station.
Hot dry rock
There are huge volumes
of very hot rocks at
depths of 5km or so.
The resource could not
be significantly
depleted in decades. In
human terms it is close
to sustainable.
While there have been
some trial operations,
the technology remains
unproven. The costs
and technical problems
with drilling to great
depths in very hot rocks
are considerable.
Also see geothermal
above
A hot dry rock
company in Australia:
Geodynamics.
It could provide a large
part of the worlds baselevel electricity supply.
Non-polluting
Technology
Advantages
Disadvantages
Comments
Hydro
(falling water)
Compact; a large
amount of electrical
The building of dams is There is a trend toward
usually environmentally modifying dams to

10. power can be produced
by a moderately sized
station.
Sustainable
Once established it is
fairly environmentally
benign.
destructive – river
valleys are important
ecosystems; it often
requires great changes
in many peoples' life
styles; river valleys are
often fertile and densely
populated.
Fermenting vegetation
in hydro dams releases
the greenhouse gas
methane to the
atmosphere.
produce hydro-power
where they were not
originally designed for
that purpose. This is
sometimes called minihydro power.
There is of course a
continuous range of
hydro-power stations
from multi-megawatt
down to a few hundred
Watts or even less, see:
micro hydro.
The water released
from a hydro-power
station often comes
from the bottom of a
dam. If so, it is cold and
may not suit species
native to the region.
Water is often released
from a hydro-power
dam at times that
depend on power
consumption (or
possibly to suit downstream irrigators). The
natural occasional highflows or floods that the
river's ecosystem has
adapted to is disrupted.
Technology
Conventional
nuclear
Advantages
Disadvantages
Comments
Compact; a large
amount of electrical
power can be produced
by a moderately sized
station.
Requires substantial
amounts of cooling
water.
There is a great deal of
uninformed emotional
fear of nuclear power
and nuclear radiation,
some is justified, some
not. Low levels of
radiation are ubiquitous
and the preponderance
of the scientific
Low fuel costs.
Small number of
It is expensive,
especially in capital
costs, maintenance
costs, and due to the
long lead time in

11. accidents.
Normally does not
produce any significant
atmospheric pollutants.
Quantity of waste
produced is small.
planning and
construction (around 15
years); see footnote.
The equipment needed
to produce the fuel for
power reactors is the
same as is used to
produce fisile material
for bombs.
Large amounts of fossil
fuels are used in mining
and processing the
uranium fuel; with
consequent release of
greenhouse gasses.
There is a danger of
radiation release, either
from the reactors or
from the waste. This
can be enormously
expensive, the
Fukushima nuclear
disaster has been
estimated to cost
US$257 billion.
While there are few
accidents the
consequences of some
accidents may be very
serious.
Decommissioning a
nuclear power station at
the end of its useful life
is very difficult and
expensive.
Safe long-term disposal
of nuclear waste is
difficult. (It must be
kept away from the
literature seems to
indicate that they are
benificial rather than
harmful.
There is insufficient
U235 (0.7% of natural
uranium) to provide a
major part of the
current world electrical
consumption for a long
period. About 99.3% of
natural uranium is in
the form of U238 which
cannot be used as a fuel
in a simple nuclear
power station. To use
0.7% of the uranium
and dump the
remainder, as is
currently done, is
terribly wasteful and, I
believe, unethical in
regard to future
generations; the U235
can be thought of as the
match that can be used
to set fire to the U238
firewood, we are
burning the match and
denying the use of the
firewood to future
generations.
Is Nuclear Power
Globally Scalable?, (by
Derek Abbott, School
of Electrical and
Electronics
Engineering, University
of Adelaide) provides a
convincing argument
that nuclear power
cannot replace fossil
fuels as mankind's main

12. biosphere for several
tens of thousands of
years).
A tempting target for
terrorist attack.
War time – Nuclear
power stations would
produce a huge amount
of radioactive
contamination if
bombed.
Technology
source of energy.
It seems likely that
some nuclear power
stations that are not
economically viable are
being kept in operation
because
decommissioning and
cleaning up would be
more expensive than
keeping them going.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Comments
Compact; a large
amount of electrical
power can be produced
by a moderately sized
station.
The system is not
proven on a
commercial scale.
Since this system could
make use of most of the
energy available from
uranium, unlike
conventional nuclear, in
theory a major part of
the current world
electrical consumption
could be generated for a
long period.
Abundant fuel is
available from existing
stored 'waste' nuclear
fuel. Conventional
reactors only use about
1% of the potential
power in uranium, the
Fast reactor system
could utilise most of the
other 99%.
Just as expensive as
conventional nuclear?
See footnote.
Requires substantial
amounts of cooling
water.
It is claimed that the
transuranic elements
'Fast' neutron
recovered in the
nuclear
pyroprocessing are
(combined with
While the system seems "unsuited for weapons"
pyrometallurgical
to be sound, the
because they include
recycling of fuel)
Should not produce any consequences of
several isotopes of
significant atmospheric accidents may be
plutonium, not just the
pollutants.
catastrophic.
plutonium 239 favoured
for bomb making, some
Quantity of waste
Decommissioning a
uranium 238, and
produced should be
nuclear power station at fission products.
much smaller than for
the end of its useful life
conventional nuclear.
is very difficult and
Bad news for uranium
expensive.
miners. If Fast nuclear
Nuclear waste from a
takes over from
fast reactor system will The lead time in
conventional then no
need to be isolated from building a nuclear
uranium need be mined
the biosphere for
power station is around for several hundred
There is a danger of
radiation release.

13. several hundred years,
compared to the tens of
thousands for
conventional nuclear.
Thorium, which is
about three times as
abundant as uranium,
can be used as fuel in a
fast neutron reactor.
Technology
ten years, since this
system is 'new' its lead
time will be more like
fifteen years.
A tempting target for
terrorist attack.
Advantages
Disadvantages
War time – Nuclear
power stations would
produce a huge amount
of radioactive
contamination if
bombed.
Solar energy is spread
relatively thinly. If a
solar thermal generator
is to produce much
electricity it has to
cover a large area.
Sustainable, nonpolluting
Solar thermal
Heat can be stored and
used to generate
electricity when the sun
is not shining. This
gives solar thermal an
advantage over wind
which can only
generate electricity
when the wind is
blowing.
years; the waste of the
old power stations
becomes the fuel for the
new.
Some forms of solar
power require
substantial amounts of
cooling water.
Comments
Solar thermal energy
has been most highly
developed in the United
States South West
where clear skies are
common.
While the technology
has great promise it has
not yet been proven to
be cost-competitive on
a large industrial scale.
The sun's position in
the sky is continually
changing so most solar
thermal generators have
to include expensive
Solar power is most
machinery to keep them
effectively built on flat
pointed in the right
land.
direction.
Solar thermal electricity
is more expensive than
wind and solar PV;
US$0.20 to $0.28/kWh.

14. Technology
Advantages
Disadvantages
Comments
Must cover a very large
area
Sustainable, nonpolluting
Requires little water
Solar chimney
(A type of solar
thermal)
Technology
Unlike some other
forms of solar energy
this can produce
electricity at night and
for limited periods
under clouds due to the
heat stored in the
'greenhouse'.
Advantages
Sustainable, nonpolluting
Wave
Technology
Wind, large
turbines
While a small (50KW)
trial station has run in
Spain for some years,
the technology has
never been proven on a
commercial scale.
War time – To
maximise efficiency
solar chimneys must be
very tall. They would
present conspicuous
and desirable targets for
enemy attack.
Disadvantages
Not proven on a
commercial scale
The solar chimney
concept uses a large
'greenhouse' to convert
solar radiation into
warm air. The air is
then allowed to rise up
a very tall (around 1km
to be highly effective)
chimney, turning
turbines and generating
power as it rises.
Comments
One type (CETO) has
been claimed by its
designers to be capable
of producing electricity
at around
Aus$80/MWh
(US$70/MWh), similar
to the cost of windpower (but it seems not
to have been proven).
This type can either
produce electricity or
desalinated water (at a
claimed cost of around
Aus$1.50-$2 per
kilolitre (US$1.35$1.80/kL).
War time – Spread over
a large area, and some
types completely under
water, so they would be
difficult to destroy
Much more expensive
than wind and solar PV
Advantages
Disadvantages
Comments
Sustainable, nonpolluting
Does not produce
power when the wind
isn't blowing. If a large
proportion of a power
There are many
misconceptions about
wind farms. I have
notes on problems,
A well proven
Installation would
damage the sea-bed
locally

15. technology and lowpriced for a sustainable
energy: US$60 to
US$80/MWh at the
wind farm.
system's electricity is
wind power then there
will be a need for a
correspondingly large
backup power supply.
(See Sustainable
Wind farms can be built Electricity).
by moderately sized
local or regional
To generate large
businesses.
amounts of electricity
wind turbines must be
Requires little water, no numerous and spread
cooling water.
over large areas. This
creates visual and noise
Reduces the exposure
annoyance and a
of an economy to fuel
significant public
price volatility.
opposition has
developed, much of
Very resistant to
which is based on the
damage from
NIMBY (not in my
earthquakes and
back yard) principle.
tsunamis.
alleged problems and
objections at Wind
Problems.
War time – The
scattered layout of
turbines in wind farms
would make it difficult
for enemies to destroy
more than a few at any
one time.
Non fossil fuel small-scale power generation methods: Table
3
The generators considered in this section are usually small and built to provide power to a
homestead or perhaps a village or small factory. If these power supplies are to have a major
global impact they will have to be very numerous.

16. War time – Scattered, numerous, and small power stations would be more difficult for an enemy
to put out of action than a few large power stations.
Technology
Advantages
Disadvantages
Sustainable
Bio-voltaic
or bioelectricity
Can combine
sewerage disposal
with power
generation.
Unproven on anything
other than a laboratory
scale
Comments
Some bacteria have the ability
to produce an electrical
potential. These can be fed on
something convenient,
perhaps sewerage or sugar,
and produce electrical power.
Non-polluting
Technology
Advantages
Sustainable
Micro hydro
Can be used in such
a way as to
minimise disruption
of aquatic life and
stream ecosystems.
Disadvantages
Comments
Requires a flowing
stream and a significant
change in altitude from
intake to outlet. A large
flow can make up for a
small fall, or vice-versa.
If poorly designed and/or
Does not necessarily
operated, it can have
require damming a
similar disadvantages to
stream.
large hydro-power, but on
a smaller scale.
Non-polluting
Technology
Disadvantages
Comments
Sustainable
Solar
photovoltaic
(Solar
electrical
panels)
Advantages
While the panels are
environmentally benign
once they are built, the
manufacturing process
requires large amounts of
energy.
A solar photovoltaic panel
must operate for a
considerable time before it
produces more power than
was required in its
manufacture. The US
National Renewable Energy
Labaratory states on its
energy payback page that
"Paybacks for multicrystalline
It is a well proven
technology.
Well suited to
providing power in
home or single
building
applications.
One less common,
expensive, but highly
efficient type of solar

17. panel, gallium arsenide,
Roof-top
contains toxins that need
installations are well to be disposed of
suited to highcarefully at the end of the
consumption urban
life of the panel.
areas where it has
the additional
Solar energy is spread
advantage of saving relatively thinly. If a
on the cost of
photovoltaic generator is
building new
to produce much
transmission lines.
electricity (ie. several
megawatts) it has to
Peak generation
cover a large area.
matches peak
consumption fairly
Produces little or no
well.
power when the sun isn't
shining.
The cost of solar PV
has been expensive,
but is decreasing
more quickly than
any other
technology. In 2013
it is close to parity
with wind and new
coal or gas power
generation.
Technology
Wind, small
turbines
modules are 4 years for
systems using recent
technology and 2 years for
anticipated technology. For
thin-film modules, paybacks
are 3 years using recent
technology, and just 1 year for
anticipated thin-film
technology".
Advantages
Disadvantages
Comments
Sustainable, nonpolluting
Does not produce power
when the wind isn't
blowing so a back-up
electrical supply is also
needed. If batteries
Units are available to suit
single houses or several
houses. Small scale wind
turbines grade into large
scale; turbines are available in
A well proven
technology.
Can be combined with smallscale wind-generated
electricity or with mains
power. Alternatively, batteries
can be charged when more
electricity is being generated
than is being consumed.
Excess electricity can be sold
to the grid in some cases.
In the past photovoltaic panels
have predominantly been
based on silicon. It is possible
that in future a larger
proportion will use
alternatives such as gallium
arsenide (GaAs) or copper
indium gallium selenide
(CIGS). While these elements
are much rarer than silicon,
they can be used as a thin
film; this makes the cost
competitive. One wonders if
there are pollution
implications in their eventual
disposal.

18. provide the backup they
have the disadvantage of
being expensive and
needing to be replaced
every few years
a great range of generating
capacities. Can usefully be
combined with photovoltaic
electricity, so that power will
be generated when either the
wind is blowing or the sun is
shining.
Fossil fuel small-scale power generation methods: Table 4
Technology
Advantages
Disadvantages
Comments
Consume fossil fuels –
therefore not sustainable.
Expensive in fuel costs.
Small.
Diesel and
petrol
powered
generators
Technology
Fuel cells
Relatively low
capital cost.
Are net producers of the
greenhouse gas carbon
dioxide.
The smaller units are Produce varying amounts
easily portable.
of noise. Some petrol
powered units are
remarkably well muffled
for internal combustion
engines.
Advantages
Can be a highly
efficient way of
converting a fuel to
useful energy, 45%
or even better; 60%
has been claimed
Disadvantages
Not yet available at
commercially competitive
costs
At present they (directly or
indirectly) consume fossil
fuels – therefore they are
not sustainable and are net
producers of the
greenhouse gas carbon
Petrol engine powered
generators are generally
small; up to 5 or 10kW.
Diesel powered units tend
to be larger, heavier, and
less portable.
Comments
If fuel cells were used for
powering homes, and the
'waste' heat then used for
tasks such as heating water
or space heating, the
effeciency could be higher
again; 85% has been
claimed.

19. dioxide.
Here in the Philippines, we have about 723 powerplants listed. Of these, 674 do not have a fuel
type specified, and 66 do not have coordinates specified for them. Below is a table of the
following powerplants, its location, coordinates, capacity (MW) and operating status.
Hydroelectric
Station
Capacity
Commissioned
(MW)
Community
Coordinates
Status
Ref
Agus 1 Hydroelectric
Power Plant
80
1994
Marawi City, Lanao
del Sur
Operational
Ambuklao
Hydroelectric Power
Plant
105
2011
Ambuklao, Benguet
Operational
Agus 6 Hydroelectric
Power Plant
200
1953,1977
Iligan City, Lanao
del Norte
Operational
Ampohaw Hydro
8
1991,1997
Sablan, Benguet
Operational
Angat Dam
256
1968,1978,1992
Norzagaray,
Bulacan
Operational
Bakun AC Hydro
70
2001
Alilem, Ilocos Sur
Operational
[1]
Bineng Hydro 1
3.2
1991,1994
La, Trinidad,
Benguet
Operational
[1]
Bineng Hydro 2
2
1991,1996
La, Trinidad,
Operational
[1]
[1]

20. Station
Capacity
Commissioned
(MW)
Community
Coordinates
Status
Ref
Benguet
Bineng Hydro 2b
.75
1992
La, Trinidad,
Benguet
Operational
[1]
Bineng Hydro 3
4.5
1992,1994,1996
La, Trinidad,
Benguet
Operational
[1]
Binga Hydroelectric
Power Plant
132
2013
Itogon, Benguet
Operational
Casecnan Irrigation
and Hydroelectric
Plant
140
2002
Pantabangan,
Nueva Ecija
Operational
Ferdinand L Singit
Hydro
5.9
1993
Bakun, Benguet
Operational
[1]
Irisan Hydro 1
3.8
2011
Tuba, Benguet
Operational
[1]
Irisan Hydro 3
1.2
1991
Tuba, Benguet
Operational
[1]
Kalayaan Pumped
Storage Power Plant
685
1983
Kalayaan, Laguna
Lon-oy Hydro
3.6
1993
Lon-oy, San Gabriel,
La Union
Operational
[1]
Lower Labay Hydro
2.4
1993
Bakun, Benguet
Operational
[1]
Magat Dam
360
1984
Ramon, Isabela
16°49′ 03″ N
Operational
121°27′ 11″ E
14°19′ 2″ N
Operational
121°28′ 27″ E

21. Station
Capacity
Commissioned
(MW)
Community
Coordinates
Status
Pulangui
Hydroelectric Power
Plant
255
1986
Maramag,
Bukidnon
Operational
Pantabangan Masiway
Hydroelectric Power
Plant
112
1977,1980
Pantabangan,
Nueva Ecija
Operational
Sal-Angan Hydro
2.4
1991
Itogon, Benguet
Operational
Ref
14°43′ 00″ N
Operational
121°05′ 00″ E
[1]
San Roque Dam
345
2003
San Manuel and
San Nicolas
Pangasinan
Sibulan Hydro A
16.5
2010
Santa Cruz, Davao
del Sur
Operational
[1]
Sibulan Hydro B
26
2010
Santa Cruz, Davao
del Sur
Operational
[1]
Talomo Hydro 1
1
1992
Calinan, Davao City
Operational
[1]
Talomo Hydro 2
.6
2005
Proper Mintal,
Davao City
Operational
[1]
Talomo Hydro 2A
.65
2005
Upper Mintal,
Davao City
Operational
[1]
Talomo Hydro 2b
.3
2005
Upper Mintal,
Davao City
Operational
[1]
Talomo Hydro 3
1.92
2005
Catalunan, Davao
City
Operational
[1]

22. Geothermal
Station
Capacity
Commissioned Community
(MW)
Coordinates
Status
Ref
Bacon-Manito
Geothermal Power
Plant
150
Bacon, Sorsogon
Operational
Leyte Geothermal
Production Field
700.9
Ormoc City, Leyte
(province)
Operational
Makiling-Banahaw
Geothermal Power
Plant
480
1979, 1980,
1984, 1996
Brgy. Bitin, Bay,
Laguna
14°5′ 17″ N
121°13′ 35″ E
Operational
Malitbog Geothermal
Power Station
232.5
1996
Malitbog,
Southern Leyte
11°9′ 7″ N
124°38′ 58″ E
Operational
Mindanao
Geothermal
Production Field
106
Kidapawan City,
North Cotabato
Operational [2][3]
Northern Negros
Geothermal
Production Field
49.4
NW of Kanlaon
Volcano
Operational
Palinpinon
Geothermal Power
Plant
192.5
1983, 1993 1994, 1995
Valencia, Negros
Oriental
Operational
Tiwi Geothermal
Power Plant
275
1979
Tiwi, Albay
13°27′ 56″ N
Operational
123°38′ 55″ E
[3]
[4]
Solar
Station
CEPALCO Cagayan de Oro
Capacity
Commissioned
(MW)
1.1
2012
Community
Cagayan de Oro,
Coordinates
Status
Ref
Operational
[5][6]

23. Capacity
Commissioned
(MW)
Station
Photovoltaic Power Plant
Community
Coordinates
Status
Ref
Misamis Oriental
Surallah Photovoltaic
Power Plant
5
Surallah, South
Cotabato
Underconstruction
Ormoc Photovoltaic
Power Plant
30
Ormoc, Leyte
Approved
[8]
Badoc-Vintar
Photovoltaic Power Plant
20
Badoc and Vintar,
Ilocos Norte
Approved
[9]
[7]
Wind
Station
Capacity
Commissioned
(MW)
Community
Coordinates
Status
Philippine Wind
Farm
48
2012
Puerto Galera,
Mindoro
Under
18°31′ 40″ N
construction
120°42′ 50″ E
Bangui Wind Farm
24.75
2005
Bangui, Ilocos
Norte
18°31′ 40″ N
Operational
120°42′ 50″ E
Burgos Wind Farm
87
Burgos, Ilocos
Norte
Under18°30′ 58″ N
120°38′ 46″ E construction
Ref
[10]
[11][12]
Non-renewable
Coal
Station
Capacity
Commissioned
(MW)
Community
Sual Coal Power
Plant
1294
1999
600
1998
Masinloc,
15°34′ 02″ N
Status
Ref
Operational
Sual, Pangasinan
Masinloc Coal
Coordinates
[13]
Operational
[14]

24. Station
Capacity
Commissioned
(MW)
Community
Zambales
Thermal Power Plant
Coordinates
Status
Ref
119°55′ 22″ E
Pagbilao Coal Power
Plant
728
1996
Pagbilao, Quezon
13°53′ 35″ N
121°44′ 42″ E
Operational
[13]
Calaca Coal Power
Plant
600
(350)
1984, 1995
Calaca, Batangas
13°55′ 49″ N
120°47′ 19″ E
Operational
[15]
APEC
50
2006
Mabalacat,
Operational
[13]
[13]
Pampanga
Toledo
88.8
1993
Toledo, Cebu
Operational
Cebu Thermal
Power Plant
109.3
1981
Naga, Cebu
Operational
Mindanao Coal Plant
232
2006
Villanueva,
Misamis Oriental
Operational
[13]
Bataan Coal Power
Plant
2/300
2012
Mariveles, Bataan
Operational
[16]
PEDC Coal Fired
Power Plant
164
14°13′ 44″ N
121°45′ 21″ E
Lapaz, Iloilo
[13]
Operational
Diesel
Station
Capacity
Commissioned
(MW)
Community
Coordinates
Status
Ref
Bohol Diesel Power
Plant
11
1978, 1986,
1996
Tagbilaran,
Bohol
Operational
[17]
Panay Diesel Power
Plant
74.9
1999
Iloilo City, Iloilo
Operational
[17][18]

25. Nuclear
Station
Bataan Nuclear
Power Plant
Capacity
Commissioned Community
(MW)
N/A
Morong,
Bataan
Coordinates
Status
14°37′ 45″ N
120°18′ 49″ E
Ref
Completed but
Never fueled
In the many power plants the Philippines have, energy crisis still does not seem to cease. These
plants cannot be able to sustain all the growing demands of the society that is needed by
establishments, large factories, malls, subdivisions and such alongside with the growing
population of human civilization. Thus, the writer would like to answer some questions related to
these topic and will further elaborate and critic if possible.
E-mail interview with anonymous personnel from SOCOTECO II:
1.) Does the Philippines have energy crisis? Is it real?
We can't really speak in behalf of the Philippines. Luzon and Visayas are not
experiencing power shortages lately but some groups are anticipating same scenario in the
coming years, unless new power plants will be put up soon.
But speaking in Mindanao aspect, yes, we do have power shortage. Our power plants' capacity
cannot cope up with our electricity demands. Very limited plants were introduced in the late 90s.
[But there are] Not much recently.
2.) If yes, what resources do the Philippines have to address to these problems?
Renewable sources should be the most ideal but the technology is still very expensive.
We should maximize our hydro sources but the government won't spend anymore for this. It's up

26. to the private sector now. That's what's so ironic about our EPIRA law. Try to read our Electric
Power Industry Reform Act (RA 9136) law. So many materials related to these.
3.) It is proven true that energy crisis here in Mindanao is real. People have been battering
gates of electric distribution centers and cooperatives and letting them take the blame for
the said issue when it is not really their fault but because of the government and the
governance itself. On what aspect do you think SOCOTECO 2 have failed? Why?
In a way, we can take the blame. Although SOCOTECO II anticipated these shortages
way before it happened and even proposed so many plans, it was not able to fully execute these
plans. Lack of networking and legislative support is the main problem attributed to this. Overall,
it’s our national government should be responsible to our power industry because distribution
utilities only acts with limited capacity. Our national agencies, particularly Department of
Energy should be the lead actor in this situation.
4.) Why do you think Alternative Energy is better preferred than Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy is supposed to be the "cleanest" given the right technology but the most
dangerous. It's still a taboo in our country. [There is still] so much opposition yet to see the lights
of its implementation. By your alternative energy, I take it you mean renewable energy? If so,
renewable sources are safer to us and the world, but the technology to convert it is still very
expensive. You can read ocean current and solar energy.
5.) If ever the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant will be fueled, will the other power stations still
operate?
Yes. The power plant will only be part of the network. The other power plants will still
operate if its power generation is needed.

27. 6.) If the nation's nuclear power plant will become operational, will other alternative
energy plants still be of use?
If Bataan nuclear power plant will ever operate, it will provide huge source of energy but
it cannot cover the entire Philippines' needs. Other power plants will still be required to generate
power to serve us.
Further Discussions:
The Electric Power Industry Reform Act (RA 9136) EPIRA ACT
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