AboitizPower Thermal Business Group announced on Monday that it will switch on its floating, hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) or BESS Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) in Maco, Davao de Oro in March this year.
The first-of-its-kind, BESS, a technology storing electrical energy, is considered pivotal for energy storage infrastructure and enhancing grid stability.
“You can think it like your lithium batteries or like a very big power bank,” said lawyer Alona Suzell Ruyeras-Borromeo, corporate services head for Mindanao, during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Ecoland.
Borromeo explained BESS stores excess electricity during low-demand periods, releasing it during high demand, reducing grid strain, and allowing for uninterrupted power service.
The TMI hybrid BESS project was started in 2021 and recently turned over to TMI operations in November 2023.
“Unlike the typical batteries also existing in the market, TMI’s BESS is the first-of-its-kind in the Philippines in terms of the hybrid concept, putting together two complementary technologies battery energy and an oil power plant to ensure a fast and sustained energy delivery,” Borromeo said.
Borromeo explained that the fusion of BESS with TMI’s existing oil-fired power generation marks the creation of a hybrid energy system, fostering a more dependable and efficient energy supply.
“The BESS was first planned to be installed in Maco because we wanted to initially pair it with the oil power plant that will be available based on studies is feasible in Maco,” she said.
The BESS in Maco is certified to deliver 30 megawatts of energy.
“30 MW for now but we’re having it certified to 49 MW this February because the battery can deliver 49 MW,” Borromeo said.
Borromeo added that the Mindanao Grid’s system operator has commended TMI’s BESS for being able to respond very fast.
“It can synchronize to the grid whenever it’s needed in a matter of milliseconds. We’re seeing this innovative system greatly helping self-sufficiency and resilience of the Mindanao energy landscape,” she said.
Borromeo also said that the technology also paves the way for a future with more renewable energy in the energy portfolio as it addresses the volatility of renewables.
Borromeo explained that aside from benefits to the local economy through taxes, BESS benefits the community by providing a reliable and stable energy supply, promoting cost efficiency, contributing to environmental sustainability through renewable energy integration, bolstering grid resilience, potentially creating jobs, and encouraging community engagement in sustainable energy practices.
