SNAP, Chinese firm seal EPC contracts

By Lenie Lectura – December 24, 2024
from Lenie Lectura

SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP), a joint venture between Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corp., signed construction agreements for the expansion of its battery energy storage system (BESS) facility co-located at the Magat hydroelectric power plant in Ramon, Isabela.

SNAP formalized engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreements with GEDI China Energy for the development of the 16-megawatt (MW) Magat BESS Phase 2. GEDI is a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group.

This expansion builds on the 24-MW Magat BESS Phase 1, which began commercial operation in January 2024. Construction for the second phase is set to begin in the first half of 2025, with commercial operations targeted to commence by the first half of 2026. “It is a great honor for us to provide contracting service to SNAP Magat BESS Phase 2 Project. In return for your trust, we will fulfill our philosophy of careful planning, scientific management and well organizing, our working style of pragmatism, diligence and efficiency, to deliver the project with high quality performance,” said Chuangang Guo, deputy general manager of GEDI international branch.

SNAP Group President and CEO Joseph Yu said the company remains committed to providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

“The Magat BESS expansion underscores our mission to lead in the renewable energy space and accelerate the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy future,” said Yu.

SNAP plans to build up to 1,000 megawatts of solar power capacity by 2030, a move that will further boost its RE goals.

The Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant is one of the largest hydro facilities in Luzon, with a maximum output of 380 megawatts (MW). It draws water from the Magat river through the multi-purpose Magat dam.

The national government began construction of the plant in February 1980 and it was commissioned in December 1983. Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, the power facility was subject to privatization in 2006. Following a successful bid of $530 million, SNAP took over operations on April 26, 2007. Only the power components were privatized; the Magat dam and its re-regulating facilities downstream are owned and maintained by the National Irrigation Administration.