The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) announced its plans to install 300-MW full capacity in the Negros-Panay submarine cable early next year to establish a reliable power connection between the two major Visayan islands.
The Negros-Panay project is one-third or Stage 1 of the 230-kilovolt (kV) Cebu-Negros-Panay (CNP) backbone network that is designed to provide energy stability in the region.
“CNP Stage 1 will maximize the power generated by variable renewable energy plants in the province,” NGCP said, adding that the sudden influx of RE (renewable energy) facilities in Negros in 2014 set the smooth pace of pushing through with the project.
Renewables in the region went from 50-MW to 500-MW for solar, while wind power increased from 200-MW to 400-MW.
The CNP Stage 1 will also include to double circuit Bacolod-E.B. Magalona overhead transmission line, as well as the Bacolod and Barotac Viejo Substations and the E.B. Magalona Cable Terminal Station expansions.
Upon its completion, NGCP will proceed with the additional transmission capacity of 210-MW between the Negros and Panay islands, with Negros being prioritized for improved voltage levels in its major substations.
On the other hand, applications for Stages 2 and 3 of the CNP project were already filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission last year; Stage 3 implementation was recently approved on September 4.
“NGCP’s mandate is to build connections to any energy source which wants to sell power through the country’s power backbone. It is imperative that transmission projects are synchronized with generation projects, so we can ensure that any power that may be generated will be dispatched through the grid,” NGCP said.
“NGCP’s goals are always centered on increasing the grid’s reliability and security. With these improvements to the Visayas grid, we are taking another big step towards ensuring the stability of energy supply for our customers,” it added.
