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The Luzon grid’s ancillary services, or power reserves, got a boost after Aboitiz launched its 24-megawatt (MW) Magat Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. The initiative has commenced its commercial operations early this year. This storage capability is a welcome development, especially with the recent spate of red and yellow alerts hounding Luzon in recent months.
AboitizPower’s partner in this endeavor is Scatec, a Norway-based renewable energy solutions provider, which is helping to accelerate access to reliable and affordable clean energy in emerging markets like the Philippines. Together, they form SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP).
A Battery-Based Solution for Luzon
A BESS employs a set of batteries to store excess electricity from the grid and release it when there is increased demand for power. This comes in handy when the supply of electricity is low or intermittent.
SNAP’s Magat battery energy storage system uses liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries and is connected to the grid through a 230-kilovolt (kV) power transformer. It is co-located with SNAP’s Magat hydroelectric power plant in Ramon, Isabela. This hydro facility has a nameplate capacity of 360 MW and a maximum capacity of 388 MW.
Initiated in April 2022, the Magat BESS project reached a significant construction milestone in July 2023. Early this year, it obtained its Provisional Authority to Operate from the Energy Regulatory Commission. Commercial operations in the reserve market officially began on January 26th.
BESS Intentions
AboitizPower’s president and CEO, Manny Rubio, has emphasized the company’s plan to leverage battery technology as a way to address “concerns about the reliability, affordability, and sustainability of energy supply”.
“We respond to the needs of our customers and communities while supporting economic growth by ensuring the stability of the Grid,” Rubio added.
The AboitizPower group has made significant strides in strengthening the power grid in the Philippines, particularly in entering the battery market. In November 2022, they launched their first BESS project, a 49-MW facility in Maco, Davao de Oro, which is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. This project aims to enhance the stability and reliability of the Mindanao grid.
The joint venture SNAP also owns and operates hydroelectric power plants in the provinces of Benguet and Isabela where future BESS projects are being considered. These include the 112.5-MW Ambuklao, 140-MW Binga, and 8.5-MW Maris facilities.
It is worth noting that the non-power components, such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned, managed, and operated by the government.