SMC Global Power Holdings, a subsidiary of San Miguel Corp, is to expand its Masinloc coal-fired power plant (150 km north-west of Manila, Philippines) by adding an additional two units, each being 315 MW. Both units are expected to utilise supercritical technology, reducing carbon dioxide emissions per unit of energy compared to older coal-fired technology, and the decision to expand has come because of growing power demand in the area and also better availability of the equipment at the 315 MW size. Interestingly, Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd, the unit of SMC Global Power Holdings that is developing the new units, cited easier access to finance for supercritical technology rather than the subcritical type because of environmental concerns on the part of bankers, reflecting a change that is occurring across the world.