By Myrna M. Velasco
The 380-megawatt Magat hydroelectric power plant in Isabela province has secured certification for asset management under ISO 55001:2014, firmly entailing that it is in compliance with global standards.
Power plant owner and operator SN Aboitiz Power, Inc. (SNAP) noted that the certification affirms that the plant “has in place a systematic process for the maintenance, upgrade and operation of its physical assets.”
That in turn is expected to reduce risks for assets, improve its overall operations efficiency and at the same time sets streamlining on its operations.
SNAP thus asserted that “with this recognition for its asset management practices, customers and communities in the areas covered by SNAP-Magat are guaranteed that the company meets global standards in global renewable energy production and plant protocols.”
Complying with standards on hydro plant operations – primarily those underpinned by dam facilities – are turning way too critical at these times with array of disasters being reported in hydro-dam facilities in other parts of the world.
The Magat plant supplies power capacity generally wheeled to the Luzon grid – albeit with transmission interconnection, that generation is also shared with the Visayas grid.
SNAP similarly reported that it cornered revalidation for its Quality Management and Environment Management systems; and had also successfully migrated to the Occupational Safety and Health Management standard.
“This confirms that SNAP-Magat’s management systems meet stringent, international standards,” the joint venture of Aboitiz Power and Norwegian firm SN Power noted.
There had been previous plans to expand the capacity of the Magat plant – with a target to ramp up its generation capacity to as high as 475 megawatts. Final investment decision has yet to be rendered on this.
In the facility’s current certifications, it has been concretely affirmed that it is well-positioned to pursue its expansion investment plan.