NGCP commits to improving, expanding PH power grid

By Alena Mae S. Flores – June 12, 2024, 8:00 pm
from manilastandard.net

Grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) reiterated its commitment to improving, upgrading, expanding and reinforcing the Philippine power grid after signing the connection agreement with San Ignacio Energy Resources Development Corp. (SIERDC) for the construction of the new 440-megawatt Isabela ground mounted solar PV project.

NGCP president and chief executive Anthony Almeda said the company is ready to accommodate and transmit any and all available power to the grid.

“We welcome the entry of new energy sources to address the need for additional power supply and ensure the reliability, adequacy, and quality of power being transmitted,” said Almeda.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the connection agreement on Monday.

The P18-billion project, which will be established in Ilagan City, will generate around 700 gigawatt-hours per year when completed in 2028.  It will also provide jobs for 4,000 workers.

“There are three main participants in the energy industry, and all of us are connected: the generators who generate and supply power, the transmission service provider, that’s us, NGCP, we bring the generators to the third link, the distribution utilities and cooperatives who convert this power and deliver it in usable form to end consumers,” Almeda said.

“As you can see, we are all part of the energy supply chain, and all of us must be connected in harmonious synergy, to achieve power stability and resiliency,” he said.

Marcos lauded the project, saying it would not only transform the energy landscape in Isabela but also strengthen the entire national grid and move the country closer to a resilient and renewable energy-secure future.

“The collaboration that we have formalized today is key to achieving our renewable energy goals and to ensuring a stable power supply for all Filipinos, not just for today but for the future. Having more initiatives like this project will be a catalyst for our country’s positive transformation,” the president said.

Almeda said NGCP’s cooperation and alignment with SIERDC signal another milestone in the company’s efforts to maximize energy infrastructure and facilities to ensure that all resources are used to their full potential, and consumers get their money’s worth.

NGCP recently energized three major projects in each of the main island grids to strengthen and improve the country’s transmission network.

These were among the 98 completed projects since the company took over the operations and maintenance of the transmission system in 2009.

The projects have allowed the entry of 12,100 MW of additional power, while incoming projects will accommodate another 7,600 MW by 2028.