AboitizPower arranges switch on for 49 MW hybrid battery storage system

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), via its subsidiary Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI), is arranging a ceremonial switch-on event for Southeast Asia’s inaugural 49-megawatt (MW) hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located in Maco, Davao de Oro.

“This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant stride towards revolutionizing the Philippines’ energy landscape,” said AboitizPower Thermal Chief Operating Officer Ronaldo Ramos.

This hybrid BESS, built on a floating platform, would supplement the existing diesel engines of TMI by supplying ancillary services. This system is made to stabilize transmission capacity as well as grid stability, which would contribute to securing uninterrupted electricity supply.

“BESS stores much-needed electricity for contingency or dispatchable reserves to replenish a reduction in generation output or even reactive support to ensure power quality,” said AboitizPower in a statement.

BESS is a form of energy storage that utilizes a set of batteries in order to store electrical energy from the grid and would only be released when the supply needed to be extended.

With the hybrid BESS becoming commercially accessible in November 2022, it unlocked the potential to accommodate more renewable energy (RE) sources into the grid.

Ramos further added that the energy storage would aid the country in its goal to respond to the growing energy demand, such as the rise in unpredictable renewable energy sources, the establishment of a market for power reserves, and the commencement of the Mindanao-Visayas interconnection project. 

“The BESS inauguration ceremony is a great milestone where we see a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of Filipinos through innovative solutions. We recognize [AboitizPower’s] proactive efforts in the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation and renewable energy principles through a project that showcases the actualities of meaningful collaborations,”  said Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix Fuentebella.

AboitizPower had been considering ramping up their RE capacity to 3,700 MW and eventually to 4,600 MW by 2030.

Furthermore, the corporation had been looking into low-carbon technologies like liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as nuclear and smart power plants to help stabilize the country’s energy transition while ensuring energy security.