MPGC plans to build transmission facility
BY LENIE LECTURA – OCTOBER 12, 2022
from Business Mirror
Mariveles Power Generation Corp. (MPGC) has proposed the construction of a transmission facility worth P1.867 billion to connect its 1200megawatt (MW) coal power plant project to the Luzon grid via direct connection to the substation of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
In a filing with the regulators, MPGC said it has tapped Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp. (MIESCOR) to construct the dedicated transmission facility project
MPGC is a joint venture between SMC Global Power Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of SMC; Meralco Powergen Corp., a subsidiary of Manila Electric Co., and Zygnet Prime Holdings Inc.
MPGC’s proposed power project employs the Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) technology and will be implemented in phases. The first 4 x 150MW is expected to be in place this year while the succeeding phases will be implemented up to 2024.
The testing and commissioning of one unit will be conducted within this quarter of and is expected to be synchronized to the Luzon grid on or before December this year.
MPGC said it would finish the dedicated transmission facility project on time for the testing and commissioning of the power plant.
“For the purpose of testing, commissioning, and dispatch of the power to be generated by the MPCG power plant, applicant needs to develop, construct, and operate a dedicated facility project to connect the subject power plant to the Alas-asin substation of the NGCP,” MPGC told the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
In order to dispatch the power of the CFB plant, MPGC needs to construct an 11-kilometer transmission line to interconnect the 500kV gas insulated switchgear of the plant and the 500kV NGCP ‘s Alas-asin substation. The proposed interconnection, which is worth P1,867,629,570.16, will traverse six barangays of Mariveles Bataan. MPGC will finance it.
“The MPGC power plant undeniably can provide for a reliable supply of power to the Luzon grid and can contribute to the stability thereof. The construction of the dedicated facility project is an indispensible requisite in order for the power plant to conduct its testing and commissioning on the fourth quarter of 2022 and ultimately to proceed with its commercial operations thereafter.
It is with foregoing reasons why applicant begs for the indulgence of the Honorable Commission for the immediate grant of the provisional authority and or interim relief to achieve its objective as mentioned,” MPGC said.
The ERC, for its part, has set a hearing on October 28 and November 4 for the determination of compliance with jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, pre-trial conference and presentation of evidence.
