Aboitiz unit’s Calatrava solar project seeks connection to Visayas grid

By Alena Mae S. Flores – May 2, 2024, 7:55 pm
from manilastandard.net

Aboitiz Solar Power Inc. (ASPI) is seeking a provisional approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission to develop a dedicated point-to-point limited transmission facility to connect its 137.48-megawatt Calatrava solar power project to the Visayas grid.

ASPI said in a filing with the ERC the dedicated transmission facility would cost P390.651 million, subject to final engineering, procurement and construction expenses.

“ASPI needs to immediately test, commission, and dispatch the Calatrava SPP upon its completion to avoid unnecessary delays that can lead to opportunity costs and contribute to the rising demand growth. Thus, it is necessary for ASPI’s Calatrava SPP to be connected to the grid, through the dedicated facility project at the earliest possible opportunity,” it said.

The Calatrava solar project will be connected through double circuit transmission line with 500-meter length.

The connection of the dedicated facility to the Calatrava Substation will allow movement of power from the plant to the Grid.

“ASPI studied its options [i.e, Calatrav Substation and Cadiz Substation] and found that such direct connection to the Calatrava Substation is the best option to connect the Calatrava SPP project to the Visayas Grid due to its proximity,” the company said.

ASPI also engaged MN Electro Industrial Supply and Services Inc. to conduct the interconnection facilities study report to ensure that the equipment to be installed would satisfy the recommendation of the SIS (system impact study), and that the dedicated facility complies with the provisions of the Philippine Grid Code.

“Upon completion of the dedicated facility project and the commercial operation of the Calatrava SPP, ASPI intends to operate and maintain the dedicated facility project,” it said.