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SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) has begun developing a new 40-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Itogon, Benguet.
Located at the 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plant in Itogon, Benguet, the Binga BESS is SNAP’s first battery storage project in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Slated for completion by 2026, it is the third for the company, a joint venture between Scatec (Norway) and AboitizPower.
“We are proud to break ground on our first BESS in Benguet,” said SNAP president and CEO Joseph Yu. “This project underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the country’s energy transition.”
Tech to maximize renewables
BESS technology stores electricity from power plants or the grid to maintain grid stability, improve energy efficiency, and support the integration of renewable energy.
As part of its strategy, SNAP is adding complementary technologies to its hydroelectric portfolio, which includes the 112.5 MW Ambuklao and 8.5 MW Maris hydroelectric plants. This supports Aboitiz Power’s goal of expanding its renewable energy capacity to 4,600 MW by 2030, aiming for a total portfolio of 9,200 MW.
(Also read: SNAP Expands Magat BESS, Targets 80 MW by 2026)
Present at the BESS facility’s groundbreaking ceremony was Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster, who said that BESS facilities play a key role in balancing the grid as the country increases its use of renewable energy.
“Renewable energy is weather dependent; balancing the grid requires batteries. Today’s event is not only important for SNAP but for the Philippines, enabling the country to achieve its goal of 30% renewable energy by 2030,” the ambassador said.
(Also read: P200-B Solar Farm Aims to Be the World’s Largest)
The Binga BESS project contributes to SNAP’s existing 24-MW Magat BESS and the ongoing 16-MW Magat BESS Phase 2, increasing the company’s total battery storage capacity to 80 MW by 2026.
SNAP selected GEDI China Energy, a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group, for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the Binga BESS. The project will be funded by the Bank of the Philippine Islands and BDO Unibank, Inc.
Sources:
https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/03/26/2431032/aboitiz-unit-advances-work-bess-project-benguet