Aboitiz Power to boost Visayas grid with hybrid BESS project

CEBU, Philippines — Aboitiz Power Corporation, through its subsidiary East Asia Utilities Corporation (EAUC), is starting the construction of a 30-megawatt hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) within the Mactan Economic Zone, reinforcing the company’s long-term strategy to enhance energy reliability in the fast-growing Visayas region.

The ceremonial ground is set today, July 17, 2025.

Slated for commissioning by the first half of 2026, the facility marks one of Central Visayas’ earliest large-scale energy storage deployments. It is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing the regional power grid amid surging electricity demand from expanding industries, commercial hubs, and new locators within the economic zone.

The BESS will function as an ancillary service—storing excess electricity during off-peak periods and discharging it during supply shortfalls—to help regulate fluctuations and maintain system reliability.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has underscored the importance of ancillary services in supporting the country’s energy transition, particularly as variable renewable energy sources increase their share in the power mix.

“This project enables real-time response to imbalances, helping the grid absorb fluctuations and reduce the risk of disruptions,” said Aldo Ramos, Chief Operating Officer for Operated Assets under AboitizPower’s Transition Business Group.

According to Ramos, EAUC has a proven track record in delivering critical reserves to both the Luzon and Visayas grids.

“Integrating BESS with our existing assets will materially boost our ability to deliver faster and more efficient responses,” Ramos added.

The project aligns with broader national economic objectives and was granted approval by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in January 2025.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga emphasized that reliable energy infrastructure remains a key consideration for investors.

“We actively support these types of energy innovations to strengthen investor confidence and attract more enterprises to the Mactan Economic Zone,” he said.

Designed for high availability, hybrid battery systems provide rapid response capabilities—often within seconds—enabling them to address imbalances with precision. With minimal mechanical components and no fuel dependency, they also offer reduced operational and maintenance costs compared to traditional thermal facilities.

While the Visayas continues to rely on dispatchable generation such as AboitizPower’s Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI) coal-fired plant, the addition of battery storage is seen as a complementary development that enhances grid flexibility and resilience as the region gradually integrates more renewable energy sources.