The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the construction of dedicated transmission facilities for two solar power plants, allowing them to connect directly to the national grid.
San Isidro Solar Power Corp. (SISPC) secured provisional authority from the ERC to develop and own point-to-point limited transmission facilities. These will link its 280-megawatt peak (MWp) solar plant in Leyte to the Visayas grid. According to the ERC, the project will initially connect to the existing 230-kilovolt (kV) Tabango Substation as part of an interim scheme, with a future shift to the proposed 230-kV Tugas CTS/SWS substation for permanent integration.
SISPC estimates the cost of the dedicated transmission facility at approximately PHP 1.659 billion, based on its application to the ERC. The company aims to complete the solar project by the end of this year. The approval remains subject to revisions and instructions issued by the Commission during the deliberation process.
Meanwhile, RASLAG Corp. also received authorization from the ERC to develop and own similar point-to-point transmission facilities for its 36.646-MWp RASLAG IV solar plant. The connection will be facilitated through the 69-kV Mexico-Clark Line 1 operated by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).
RASLAG has already begun testing and commissioning its solar plant and projects the cost of its transmission asset to reach P163.232 million.
The ERC’s approvals mark a significant step in integrating additional renewable energy capacity into the national grid. These solar facilities will contribute to the government’s broader push for sustainable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
As the country continues its transition to renewable energy, how might these developments shape the future of energy security and sustainability? Share your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities posed by expanding solar power in the Philippines.
There are no comments
Add yours