Transmission firm National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is finally scheduling the completion of the P5.48 billion Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay transmission line in 2024, a long awaited development to underpin load growth as well as the integration of blueprinted renewable energy (RE) projects in the area.
The company noted that expansion in electricity demand within that domain is highly anticipated to escalate with the influx of post-pandemic tourist arrivals in the island paradise of Boracay.
“With the increased activity projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, there is a need for grid expansion and development projects to keep up with the increasing demand for power,” the transmission firm stressed.
added that “the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay transmission line project will support the increasing power requirements of the island and ensure stable and reliable transmission of power.”
One of the RE ventures awaiting completion of that transmission line development had been the long-planned expansion of the Nabas wind farm project of the Yuchengco group, which was targeted for implementation even prior to the strike of the coronavirus pandemic.
NGCP explained the long-term solution for the wheeling of added capacity “is the development of the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138-kilovolt line,” which is currently at its construction phase.
In particular, NGCP indicated that the transmission line project will reinforce the grid with an additional submarine cable and upgrading the existing 69-kilovolt facilities to 138kV.
The company explained that the existing 69 kV submarine cable and overhead line serving the island are no longer adequate to support load growth in the coming years.
As designed, the entire project has different sub-components, comprising of the: underground and submarine cables connecting the mainland to Boracay Island, overhead transmission lines, a cable terminal station, a new Boracay substation, and an upgraded Nabas substation.
“NGCP will support the island’s growth and help ensure the development of Boracay as one of the world’s best travel destinations by providing the necessary energy infrastructure,” the transmission firm emphasized.