Riding the Waves of Innovation: AboitizPower’s Game-Changing Hybrid BESS

COURTESY:  Aboitiz Power Corporation

Guess what? AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine just made a splash—literally! They recently held a ceremonial switch-on for Southeast Asia’s first 49-megawatt hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) mounted on a floating platform. Yeah, you read that right. This isn't your typical land-based power system; it's floating on water in Maco, Davao de Oro.

With this bad boy, additional power can be released whenever it’s needed. Think of it as a power bank for the grid, ensuring the electricity system is both stable and reliable. It’s been commercially available since November 2022, and it’s already making waves (pun intended) in the energy sector. This hybrid BESS is designed to complement the company’s diesel engines, providing those much-needed ancillary services that keep everything running smoothly.

AboitizPower isn’t shy about sharing the credit for this revolutionary initiative. They’ve expressed immense appreciation for all their partners and relevant stakeholders. After all, it takes a village to float a 49-megawatt battery system. 

These partnerships are more than just business relationships; they’re collaborative ventures that push the boundaries of what’s possible. From engineers to local government units, everyone pitched in to make this dream a reality. And it’s a dream that promises to enhance the Philippines’ energy landscape for the better.

So, why a floating platform? Well, it’s all about efficiency and innovation. Building on water allows for easier scalability and less environmental disruption compared to land-based installations. Plus, it’s just plain cool. Imagine cruising by and seeing a high-tech energy system bobbing up and down on the waves. 

But it’s not just about looking good. This floating hybrid BESS is designed to complement Therma Marine’s diesel engines, providing backup power when the grid needs it most. This means fewer blackouts and more reliable electricity for everyone. It’s a win-win situation that showcases the potential of hybrid energy solutions.

Since its commercial debut in November 2022, this floating hybrid BESS has been a game-changer. It’s already proving to be a reliable source of additional power, especially during peak demand times. This enhances the stability and reliability of the entire electricity system, making it a crucial asset for the future.

AboitizPower’s latest venture isn’t just a technological marvel; it’s a statement. It says, “We’re here to innovate, to lead, and to make a difference.” And they’re doing just that, one floating battery at a time.

In conclusion, the ceremonial switch-on of this 49-megawatt hybrid BESS marks a new chapter in Southeast Asia’s energy story. AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine has not only set a new standard but has also shown what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration.

So here’s to riding the waves of innovation and looking forward to a brighter, more reliable energy future. Cheers to AboitizPower and all their partners for making this revolutionary initiative come alive. The Philippines’ energy landscape is forever changed, and we’re all better for it.

Synergizing Energies: The Aboitiz Way to Sustainable Growth

SOURCE:  AboitizPower

In the dynamically evolving world of business, one name stands out in the realm of sustainable development and cross-company collaborations: Aboitiz. The Aboitiz Group, led by Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), has been actively forging synergistic partnerships with fellow Aboitiz-owned companies, ultimately leading to shared sustainable growth. This blog aims to delve into the details of this remarkable journey, illuminating the path for other organizations keen on embracing a similar approach.

Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc.'s water subsidiary, Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., has recently inaugurated a bulk water supply project that boasts a daily water production capacity of 300 million liters. This monumental achievement was realized with the assistance of AboitizPower and the local service provider Davao City Water District (DCWD). This project not only benefits over a million Davaoeños but also stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision.

AboitizPower’s subsidiary, Hedcor, has been a pivotal force in this process. With more than 45 years of experience in generating electricity from run-of-river hydropower systems, Hedcor provides general management functions and technical support to Apo Agua’s hydroelectric power plant. The AboitizPower unit is also responsible for training Apo Agua’s personnel, ensuring the seamless operation of this green energy source.

This recent partnership with Apo Agua is another milestone in Aboitiz Group’s transformation journey, aiming to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate. This Great Transformation leverages the strengths of the legacy conglomerate and its growing cross-company synergies to deliver more value to stakeholders and tech-up the Philippine economy. In the words of Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz, this initiative reflects the group’s belief in the power of synergy to create meaningful change.

AboitizPower has been instrumental in powering Economic Estates by AIC, specifically the LIMA Estate in Batangas, Mactan Economic Zone 2 Estate in Cebu, and West Cebu Estate in Cebu. These economic zones, registered under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), are envisioned to be the leading mixed-use economic centers in their respective regions.

The Aboitiz Group’s commitment to sustainable development is further exemplified by the installation of 1.5 megawatt peak solar panels at The Outlets, a shopping outlet inside the LIMA Estate. This initiative is set to offset an estimated 31,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, reiterating the group's commitment to a greener future.

In an exemplary demonstration of the concept of a circular economy, Republic Cement, an Aboitiz company, repurposes and upcycles fly ash from AboitizPower’s Therma Visayas power plant. This process not only reduces the environmental impact of cement production but also lowers its production cost, establishing a sustainable cycle of waste management.

Aboitiz Construction, Inc. (ACI), the construction arm of the Aboitiz Group, has been involved in various projects aimed at maintaining the quality and efficiency of AboitizPower’s generation facilities. These projects, although small in scale, are integral parts of AboitizPower’s larger efforts in their journey towards sustainable development.

As AboitizPower moves closer to achieving its Great Transformation goals by 2025, it aims to continuously build, sustain, and strengthen its expertise and synergies with the rest of the Aboitiz Group. The focus remains on driving progress and prosperity, not just for itself and each respective Aboitiz company, but for people and the planet as well.

The Aboitiz Group’s journey towards shared sustainable growth, powered by cross-company collaborations, is a shining example for all corporations globally. As we march forth into a future that demands sustainable solutions, the Aboitiz way of synergizing energies provides a blueprint for success. The journey continues, but the path is clear: collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability can indeed create a better world.

Revolutionizing Energy: The Philippines' First Integrated LNG Facility

SOURCE: ABOITIZ POWER

In a historical milestone for the Philippines' energy sector, Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP), and San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP) are pioneering the establishment of the nation's first comprehensive integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Batangas. This game-changing initiative is anticipated to enhance energy security while propelling the nation towards a greener, more sustainable future. 

The extensive LNG facility is in synchronization with the Marcos administration's advocacy for a significant increase in the utilization of natural gas in the nation's energy mix. The resulting impact of this initiative is not just limited to environmental benefits, but it also paves the way for affordable power to be within reach of a larger demographic of Filipino consumers.

In a business deal valued at an impressive US$ 3.3 billion, MGen and AP will collaboratively invest in two of SMGP's gas-fired power plants—the 1,278 MW Ilijan power plant and a new 1,320 MW combined cycle power facility. The latter is projected to commence operations by the end of 2024. In conjunction with SMGP, the two corporations will also invest in almost 100% of the LNG import and regasification terminal owned by Linseed Field Corporation. 

Furthermore, all three companies are set to acquire the LNG import and regasification terminal of Linseed Field Corporation. This terminal will be instrumental in the receipt, storage, and processing of LNG fuel for the power plants, thus successfully integrating the local energy sector into the global natural gas supply chain.

"This is a pathbreaking venture," declared MGen Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. "This symbolizes a milestone alliance among major players in the energy industry towards a more sustainable future. We are thrilled to have such reliable partners as we lay the foundation for a brighter, greener future.”

The collaboration will significantly supplement the country's power supply with over 2,500 MW of generation capacity once fully functional, backed by advanced LNG storage and regasification capabilities. This endeavor will serve to meet the country's energy needs and support its environmental objectives by substantially reducing emissions.

"Both LNG and renewables are needed to achieve a balanced energy mix and well-planned energy transition," stated Sabin M. Aboitiz, AP chairman. "Economic development is impossible without energy security, and this investment is a definitive step forward in that direction."

"For the first time, three leading power companies are working together to secure our country's energy needs while transitioning towards cleaner power sources," said Ramon S. Ang, SMGP Chairman and President. "This represents a major leap forward for our energy future, ensuring not just reliability but also cost-efficient power for many Filipinos."

The collaboration among the three power companies represents their shared commitment to innovation, reliability, and environmental stewardship in the energy sector. This move aligns perfectly with the Department of Energy's (DoE) Philippine Energy Plan which has identified LNG as crucial for the country's energy sustainability and security, aiming to boost natural gas's share in the power generation mix to 26% by 2040.

LNG offers significant environmental benefits over traditional fossil fuels, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, combating climate change, improving air quality, and enhancing public health. It is the ideal transition fuel to a renewable energy future, aligning with the Philippines' own goal to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, this collective venture guarantees the delivery of dependable and competitively-priced energy while helping boost economic growth and environmental preservation.