AS THE Philippines is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform its electricity grid and significantly increase its renewable energy capacity, the need for digitalization in its short- and long-term plans is crucial for faster and stronger results.
Bentley infra experts at the 2024 Year in Infrastructure Awards (YII 2024) said that software and digital tools for enhancing the Philippines’ electricity grid are readily available. An example is Bentley’s i-Twins platform which creates a comprehensive digital twin of the existing grid, consolidating disparate data sources into a unified model.
This digital representation, augmented by remote sensing data like LiDAR and photogrammetry, would provide a precise understanding of the current infrastructure and identify areas for improvement.
By analyzing the digital twin, stakeholders can pinpoint grid congestion points and prioritize upgrades to accommodate planned renewable energy sources such as offshore wind and solar. The software enables efficient planning and placement of new substations, converter stations, and interconnection points for optimal renewable energy integration.
The collaborative nature of the platform was emphasized, allowing for local innovation and customization while maintaining a standardized foundation for grid digitization. The speakers highlighted how this approach could expedite and streamline the modernization of the Philippines’ electricity grid.
At the heart of this effort is a growing reliance on digital tools and platforms to plan, integrate, and optimize the country’s evolving energy landscape.
One of the key challenges facing the Philippines is the need to modernize an aging grid infrastructure that was often built for a specific purpose, such as connecting hydroelectric or coal-fired power plants to population centers. As the country shifts towards renewable sources like offshore wind and solar, integrating these new inputs into the existing grid has become a complex undertaking.
“The existing grid infrastructure may not be well-suited to handle the two-way flow of electricity that comes with large-scale renewable energy integration,” explains Brad Johnson, the director of electric utility solutions at Bentley Systems. “This requires a clear, data-driven understanding of the grid’s current state and capabilities.”
According to Johnson, this is where Bentley’s digital twin technology, such as its i-Twins platform, plays a crucial role. By consolidating data from various sources, including paper maps and low-resolution GIS, into a unified digital model, utility planners and engineers can gain a comprehensive view of the grid’s as-is condition.
This enhanced awareness is further bolstered by the integration of remote sensing technologies like LiDAR and photogrammetry, which provide detailed, up-to-date information about the grid’s physical infrastructure.
“Having this clear, data-rich picture of the existing grid is the first step in being able to effectively plan and prioritize the necessary enhancements,” says Johnson. “It allows us to identify areas of congestion or constraints where new renewable energy sources can be most efficiently integrated.”
The digital twin approach also enables utility companies to simulate and visualize the impact of these new energy inputs, helping them to strategically site substations, converter stations, and other interconnection points. T ing and optimization is crucial in a country like the Philippines, where the decentralized government structure can often create challenges in coordinating large-scale infrastructure projects.
“The Philippines’ grid modernization efforts are further complicated by the need to navigate multiple levels of local government,” explains Kevin Hunt, the Vice President for electric utilities at Bentley. “By providing a common, collaborative platform, we can help foster alignment and knowledge-sharing between communities, ultimately accelerating the integration of renewable energy sources.”
Bentley’s open and interoperable software solutions are designed to empower local innovation while still maintaining a cohesive, nationwide approach. This balance between centralized coordination and distributed customization is crucial in a country as geographically diverse as the Philippines. As the country continues to make strides in its renewable energy targets, the role of digitalization will only become more critical.
By leveraging the power of digital twins, remote sensing, and collaborative platforms, the Philippines is poised to transform its electricity grid, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.