Japan, Korea to improve power distribution system in provinces

Japan, Korea to improve power distribution system in provinces

Japan is set to introduce a smart grid technology to electric cooperatives in the provinces to solve power outage problems.

The National Electrification Administration teamed up with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for this computerized smart grid system that would help improve distribution system reliability.

The Japanese firm tapped Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and Takaoka Toko (TKTK) to work with NEA for the pilot implementation of the Distribution Network Management System (DNMS) technology.

The pilot project site will be at the Batangas II Electric Cooperative Inc. (Batelec II) and will run from 2018 to 2019.

According to NEA deputy administrator for technical services Artis Nikki Tortola, the project is expected to reduce the number of duration of power outages

“It’s a proven and tested technology. With that system, we hope that the electric cooperative that will be benefiting from this project will improve its reliability,” Tortola said.

The project is under the JICA collaboration program with the private sector for disseminating Japanese technology for electricity distribution system and management in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, NEA has also signed a Record of Discussions with the Korean Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) for an industrial technology and expertise exchange between the Philippines and Korea.

Under the deal, the two will implement “Project for Distribution Voltage Upgrade in Ilocos Norte” for the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. (INEC)

The project will run for two years and aims to support the engineering, procurement, and construction of a voltage upgrade distribution line in the country.

It is also seen to contribute to the industrial cooperation and exchange of industrial technology and expertise in the electrification sector between the two countries.

“This project will help meet increasing demand for electricity in the northern part of Ilocos Norte, as well as improve electric service reliability for INEC’s member-consumer-owners in the area,” NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong said.

The project includes the upgrade of two distribution feeders of the Burgos Substation to 22.9 kV from 13.2 kV, and the installation of 10 MVA 69 kV/22.9 kV, its necessary protection and metering.