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The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has welcomed the entry of the 2,500-megawatt (MW) Terra Solar Power Project, describing it as a boost to the country’s shift toward cleaner energy. However, the grid operator cautioned that the large-scale integration of intermittent power sources, such as solar, must be carefully managed to maintain system stability.
In a statement, NGCP said the Terra Solar project, equipped with a 1,125-MW battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of sustaining output for about four hours, will help strengthen supply as the Philippines expands its renewable energy portfolio.
“Renewable energy initiatives such as the Terra Solar Power Project are welcome. Any new power source introduced into the system will help keep supply stable,” the company said.
Concerns Over Variability
Despite recognizing the project’s contribution to energy transition goals, NGCP warned that the growing share of variable renewable energy could cause fluctuations in system frequency and voltage if not properly managed. Such conditions, it noted, may result in under-frequency load shedding or rotating power interruptions in certain areas.
The grid operator emphasized that operational considerations must be addressed both on the transmission side and within generating facilities to mitigate the inherent variability of renewable sources. It also urged full compliance with system impact studies to ensure the reliability of the national grid.
NGCP’s concerns were underscored by recent incidents in North Luzon, where unstable output from local renewable energy plants led to voltage fluctuations. At the San Marcelino Solar Farm in Zambales, for example, short-term cloud cover reportedly caused sudden dips of up to 300 MW in solar generation.
The company explained that while fast-acting resources such as battery storage can offset these shifts, conventional coal-fired plants have limited capacity to respond due to slower ramping times.
Role of Battery Storage in Grid Stability
The integration of battery systems is seen as a critical element in managing the variability of renewables. Terra Solar’s 4,500-megawatt-hour BESS, designed to support system reliability through grid-forming capabilities, is expected to play a key role in balancing fluctuations and maintaining stable operations.
Under its power supply agreement, Terra Solar will deliver 850 MW of electricity to Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), primarily during daytime hours when demand typically peaks. The remaining 1,650 MW will be supplied to the grid through the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.
Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), the project’s developer, said it recognizes NGCP’s responsibility to ensure grid stability and that the facility’s integrated solar-and-battery design was intended precisely to address the challenges identified by the transmission operator.
Policy and Market Considerations
NGCP reiterated its appeal to the Department of Energy (DOE) for more progressive policies that promote renewable energy integration while safeguarding grid reliability. The firm said the entry of bulk renewable capacity should be matched with dependable baseload and fast-ramping resources to maintain system balance and prevent disruptions.
As the country continues to expand its renewable energy footprint under Republic Act No. 9513, which mandates priority dispatch for renewable plants, grid management is emerging as a key challenge. While solar and wind capacity are vital to achieving sustainability targets, the cost of maintaining grid reliability amid a changing energy mix remains a consideration for consumers.
Source:
https://business.inquirer.net/567811/ngcp-welcomes-terra-solars-2500-mw-to-the-grid
https://business.inquirer.net/566914/doe-doubles-down-in-push-for-renewables-energy-security