Renewable energy provider SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) Group has officially broken ground on the first battery energy storage system (BESS) facility in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) on March 24. The 40-megawatt (MW) Binga BESS, co-located at the Binga Hydroelectric Power Plant in Itogon, Benguet, marks a major milestone in the company’s innovative approach to integrating battery storage with its existing hydroelectric assets.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key officials, including Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan from the Department of Energy (DOE) and Ambassador of Norway to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster, who both expressed their support for the project.
The Binga BESS is SNAP’s first battery storage project in Benguet and the third in its fleet. It builds on the existing 24-MW Magat BESS and the ongoing development of the 16-MW Magat BESS Phase 2, which together will bring SNAP’s total battery storage capacity to 80 MW by 2026. This hybrid approach—combining battery storage with hydropower—positions SNAP as a key player in developing a more resilient and flexible energy market in the Philippines.
“We are proud to break ground on our first BESS in Benguet and the first BESS facility to reach financial close and start construction in the Cordillera Administrative Region. This project underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the country’s energy transition,” said Joseph Yu, SNAP President and Chief Executive Officer.
This initiative is part of SNAP’s broader strategy to integrate complementary technologies with their hydro assets, contributing to the development of a more resilient and secure energy market in the Philippines.
SNAP Group Chief Operations Officer Michael Bon Hosillos highlighted the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable operations, emphasizing transparency and collaboration with the local community.
“We deeply value the trust and support of this community, and we pledge to operate responsibly, sustainably, and transparently. From environmental stewardship to local job creation, we are committed to being not just a facility in this community but a true partner in its growth,” he said.
“The Binga BESS project demonstrates the optimization of the country’s energy system. SNAP continues to enhance grid stability while reinforcing its commitment to green energy,” said DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla in a video message.
His Excellency Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster described the project as “another breakthrough in SNAP’s commitment to innovative renewable energy solutions.”
“Renewable energy is weather dependent; balancing the grid requires batteries. Today’s event is not only important for SNAP but for the Philippines, enabling the country to achieve its goal towards 30% renewable by 2030. From Norway’s side, we are committed to contributing so that you can achieve a green energy future. The Norwegian Embassy in Manila is truly dedicated to work closely with energy and industry stakeholders to push the green energy agenda,” Lyster added.
In February, SNAP sealed its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreements with GEDI China Energy, a China Energy Engineering Group subsidiary, for the development of the Binga BESS. The project will be funded by the Bank of the Philippine Islands and BDO Unibank, Inc.
By combining battery storage with hydropower, SNAP aims to create a more flexible and sustainable energy system capable of responding to the intermittency of renewable energy sources and improving grid reliability.
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