AboitizPower to build 30-MW battery energy storage system in Cebu
Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower) announced that a subsidiary of its Therma Power Inc. will construct a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Cebu, which will be slated for commissioning by next year.
In a statement, AboitizPower said Therma Power’s East Asia Utilities Corp. (EAUC) will soon break ground for its 30-megawatt (MW) hybrid BESS project, located at Mactan Economic Zone. It will be the first large-scale energy storage system in Central Visayas.
This development, once completed, would be designed to improve the reliability of the power supply in the area, amid rising demand from multiple sectors such as industries, businesses, and other stakeholders within the economic zone.
The hybrid BESS operates through maintenance cycles, while hybrid battery facilities help with grid imbalances efficiently.
AboitizPower explained that these systems benefit from lower operations and maintenance requirements compared to conventional thermal generation.
Aldo Ramos, chief operating officer (COO) of AboitizPower’s transition business group, said that the project will help with timely responses to address power strains.
“This project will allow us to respond to imbalances in real-time, helping the grid absorb fluctuations and minimize disruptions,” he explained.
“EAUC has consistently proven its ability to provide crucial ancillary reserves to the Luzon and Visayas grid when needed. The integration of BESS with our existing facility will materially enhance this capability, enabling faster and more efficient responses.”
Tereso Panga, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general, was quoted as saying that the project would also benefit investors, as they would support residing businesses at Mactan Economic Zone.
“The EAUC hybrid BESS will help in the stability of the power supply, and more so as the share of variable renewable energy increases in our power mix,” he added.