NINETEEN power generation and energy storage system (ESS) projects with a total capacity of 3,632.18 megawatts (MW) were cleared to undergo system impact studies (SIS) with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), data as of September from the Department of Energy (DOE) showed.
SIS determine the effects of a proposed power project to customer connections in a grid and if certain adjustments in the system are needed, such as additional transmission lines, transformers or substations.
The data showed 18 out of the 19 applications are renewable energy projects, with the biggest capacity being applied for by Vortex Offshore Wind Corp.’s 1,000 MW Mindoro offshore wind project.
Only one is an ESS project, Energija Sur 2 Inc.’s 40 MW hours battery ESS project in Lumban, Laguna.
Projects undergoing SIS have yet to obtain funding, line availability and offtake agreements and are not guaranteed to push through.
NGCP has adopted a clustering approach for SIS, grouping together power plants with a common connection point or study area to streamline the process and accelerate the evaluation of multiple projects, enhancing the overall efficiency and reducing the waiting time for potential power plant developers.
Due to rising demand for power generation, applications for SIS surged significantly. In the past, only 28 percent of completed SIS proceeded with the construction of power plants.
