With the energy landscape continuously evolving, Aboitiz Power Corporation believes that progressive technologies and STEM talents are essential for achieving energy security.
“The energy landscape is evolving from a singular focus on fossil fuels to a complex mix of renewables, intelligent grids, and smart technologies. We require a diverse pool of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM talent to maintain the momentum of our nation’s progress,” said AboitizPower President and CEO Emmanuel Rubio in a statement.
The Department of Energy (DOE) anticipates a yearly growth of 6.6% in electricity demand until 2040 and parallel to that is a planned transition to a renewable energy (RE) mix of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
In working towards the same goal, AboitizPower is accomplishing its digitalization, decentralization, and decarbonization programs, with the target of pushing a 50-50 thermal and RE mix in the firm’s energy portfolio in the next ten years.
The energy firm invested in its National Operations Control Center or NOCC, which allowed for the operation, monitoring, and control of 22 RE facilities in one location.
Moreover, AboitizPower utilized its digital twin technologies, creating a replica of a power plant that mirrored its operational processes and systems. This equipped the company with the ability to detect faults and glitches within a simulated environment.
Upgrades were also made to the substations of the company’s distribution utilities, including Visayan Electric and Davao Light, which lower high voltage from the grid to distribution level voltages suitable for households, companies, and industries.
These substations were digitalized so they could be conveniently monitored around the clock by a central control station. Previously, they used analog measurement data and binary status information.
“While the business of power generation and distribution is a profitable endeavor as it is, AboitizPower also intends to shape the decentralization of energy in the Philippines to create smarter and more sustainable communities,” Rubio shared.
Rubio also noted that the industry still experienced labor shortages due to a competitive global market, skills mismatches, and competency gaps.
Furthermore, with the economic growth target to be around 6.5% to 7.5% in 2024 and 6.5% to 8% from 2025 to 2028, energy security should be supported in order to achieve the trillion-dollar economy by 2033.
In response, AboitizPower collaborated with universities, established training centers, and offered scholarship programs to ensure that STEM talents are well-equipped with diverse skills and perspectives to further drive the country forward.
