The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is being urged to finalize the bidding procedures for the third round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA) program so that it can commence this year.
The pressure is being felt not only by the ERC but also by developers looking to position themselves in the energy sector.
To streamline the pre-planning and development phases for hydro and geothermal projects in GEA 3, integrated renewable energy and energy storage systems (IRESS) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in GEA 4, as well as offshore wind in GEA 5, conducting surveys of potential project sites is a necessary step.
“Surveying is crucial to ensure that the outputs and plans of renewable energy companies are accurate. Suppose their budget is based on the right information. In that case, these companies can effectively minimize the risk of cost overruns during construction, leading to more successful project execution,” added AB Surveying & Development founder and general manager Engr. Antonio “Tony” Botor.
As energy companies prepare for this, AB Surveying & Development stands out as a prominent surveying and LiDAR mapping firm in the Philippines, delivering services that greatly expedite land and marine assessments, and optimizing project timelines.
This is exemplified by MERALCO PowerGen Corporation and other companies, where the transition to LiDAR surveying became a game-changer.
In its 24 km transmission line project from Atimonan to Pagbilao, Quezon, the use of LiDAR Surveying significantly reduced what previously took over two years to resolve due to ground validation errors to just one month, providing accurate mapping and significantly boosting project efficiency.
Conventional land surveying methods rely on teams manually measuring distances, angles, and elevations and are slow, often taking two to three years to finish. This hinders project timelines and reduces the accuracy of survey data and site conditions.
Surveying at Full Range
ABSD aims to revolutionize the industry with LiDAR technology, offering faster and more precise results. Compared to conventional surveying using total stations, Aerial LiDAR Surveying operates with the efficiency of 1,000 total stations capturing data every second, showcasing its ability to significantly enhance surveying processes. It uses infrared lasers to scan and map a project site, enabling the survey of 1,000 hectares in just four hours, with complete data available within a month.
The enhanced speed, accuracy, and precision provide energy firms with a crucial advantage in determining optimal locations for their renewable energy (RE) equipment and conducting necessary topographical analysis before construction.
Simultaneously, grid developers could leverage this capability for efficient tower spotting, infrastructure monitoring, flood risk assessment, environmental impact studies, and streamlining site assessments to facilitate a more effective project rollout.
Furthermore, the company employs the fuel-efficient Cessna 172K as its specialized aircraft for its Aerial LiDAR surveys, operated by in-house experts to guarantee maximum efficiency and safety.
ABSD sets itself apart as the first firm in the Philippines to provide LiDAR services and the only one utilizing a manned aircraft for surveying. Their innovative offerings include Aerial Bathymetric LiDAR surveys.
Deep Dive Surveying
Offshore renewable energy projects are a new frontier in the Philippines, and with this comes unique challenges that may not be anticipated—such as murky waters, deep ocean depths, and most importantly, concerns over marine mammal safety.
To address these issues, ABSD offers the Riegl VQ-840-G, an advanced Aerial Bathymetric LiDAR technology designed to overcome these obstacles efficiently and accurately.
This method is the most noninvasive approach to underwater surveying. Green lasers mounted on planes penetrate water, enabling quick and precise data collection while ensuring marine life remains undisturbed.
Its application is particularly valuable for Marine Spatial Planning, especially as the government prepares to integrate offshore wind projects in the upcoming Green Energy Auction (GEA) 5.
By prioritizing ecological preservation, this technique supports sustainable development initiatives and promotes a balanced coexistence between energy infrastructure and marine ecosystems.
The Riegl VQ-840-G can penetrate depths of up to 30 meters, making it an excellent choice for offshore wind developers operating in shallow waters. For depths beyond 30 meters, however, Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) technology is the go-to solution for more accurate surveys.
“With considerably faster acquisition speed versus other surveying options, aerial bathymetric LiDAR can secure data at a pace that immediately translates to a quick turnaround time for the delivery of the bathymetric map, allowing firms to design and plan efficiently,” said Engr. Botor.
ABSD points out that survey vessels, typically traveling at 7 knots (13 km/h), are much slower compared to manned airplanes, which can cover ground at 70 knots (130 km/h), allowing for faster and more efficient data collection.
The Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) is particularly well-suited for detailed surveys in deeper waters, and while it may require additional time for data collection, it is well-equipped to handle various marine conditions. Each surveying technique is vital, with the appropriate method selected based on the specific requirements of the project.
Moreover, ABSD’s terrestrial LiDAR services are tailored to survey older structures that are planned for renovation and reconstruction. This advanced technology produces detailed 3D models of existing buildings, ensuring that restoration efforts are based on accurate and comprehensive data, which is beneficial for the energy sector. For instance, it can conduct detailed scans of geothermal power plants, allowing for thorough visualization of all internal features and components.
It could also play a crucial role in the nuclear energy sector, particularly for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), if the government opts for its renovation. By utilizing advanced scanning capabilities, it can assess the plant’s condition and identify essential repairs and upgrades needed for a successful refurbishment, ensuring safety and operational efficiency in its revitalization.
Additionally, ABSD provides mobile LiDAR surveying with the Riegl VMZ-2000 LiDAR scanner, which is especially advantageous for road surveys, enabling precise and efficient data collection for infrastructure developments.
ABSD’s LiDAR services—encompassing aerial, bathymetric, terrestrial, and mobile —are reshaping the landscape of renewable energy project development.
By cutting surveying durations from years to mere hours, ABSD empowers energy companies to expedite their projects, achieving rapid implementation and enhancing their competitiveness in the global market.
Boost your competitive edge with ABSD’s efficient LiDAR surveying solutions. With reduced surveying durations and rapid data turnaround, your projects will be delivered with speed and accuracy, enhancing your global market presence.
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