SN Aboitiz Power to develop 20MW Magat battery project

It is expected to commence commercial operation by Q1 2024.

Scatec and AboitizPower joint venture, SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) signed the engineer, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreement for the development of the 20-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system project in its Magat hydroelectric power plant.

In a statement, AboitizPower said the construction of the energy storage project for the power plant in Ramon, Isabela is expected to start in April and is targeted to start commercial operation in the first quarter of 2024.

“This new development in our Magat facility is a significant step forward in our renewable energy ambitions over the next 10 years. We intend to take an active role in the Philippine renewable energy market but this is not our journey alone,” AboitizPower President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said.

Early-phase activities for the Magat project were completed in 2021 as part of the pre-construction stage, the company said, adding that the facility, which is expected to be used primarily for ancillary services, can be expanded to 24MW.

The EPC agreement was signed with Hitachi Energy, whilst the Bank of the Philippine Islands and China Banking Corporation will provide financing for the project.

AboitizPower added that in connection with the Magat battery project, the upgrade of the 230-kilovolt Magat-Santiago transmission line has been included in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ Transmission Development Plan. This move will enable SNAP to continue augmenting capacities within the Magat area for additional projects.

The Philippine government is targeting renewable energy share in the power generation mix to reach 35% by 2030 under its Renewable Energy Roadmap.