AboitizPower: Energizing the Future

As the sun sets on another year, AboitizPower shines brighter than ever, marking 2024 as a transformative chapter in its journey to redefine the Philippine energy landscape.

Danel C. Aboitiz officially assumed his role as AboitizPower President and CEO on July 1, 2024, ushering in a new era of leadership in the Philippine energy sector. I Photos: AboitizPower

From leadership shifts to groundbreaking projects and a commitment to empowering communities, here’s a look back at the milestones that propelled AboitizPower to new heights this year.

A New Era of Leadership

The appointment of Danel C. Aboitiz as President and Chief Executive Officer, signaled a bold new era for the company.

A seasoned leader with a Master’s degree in Philosophy and Politics (with Honors) from the University of Edinburgh, Mr. Aboitiz brought a unique blend of academic rigor and extensive industry experience to the helm.

Having served in various roles within the Aboitiz Group, including as Chief Commercial & Stakeholder Engagement Officer and President of AboitizPower’s Coal and Oil Business Units, his appointment reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Under his leadership, AboitizPower reaffirmed its mission to create a balanced and sustainable energy portfolio, aligning with the Philippine government’s renewable energy (RE) targets and addressing the nation’s growing energy demands.

Advancing Renewable Energy Goals

AboitizPower’s strides in renewable energy development have been nothing short of groundbreaking. With over 1,000 MW of new RE capacity in various stages of development, the company remains at the forefront of the energy transition.

This year, 176 MW of RE projects are set to come online by mid-2024, with construction ongoing for an additional 218 MW. The company’s ambitious roadmap includes a second expansion phase targeting 1,700 MW of solar and wind capacity and an overarching goal of 4,600 MW of new RE capacity by 2030.

These projects—spanning solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and battery energy storage systems—are designed to meet the government’s RE targets while ensuring a reliable and stable power supply.

“Our strategy is a balanced approach,” said Jimmy Villaroman, President of Aboitiz Renewables Inc. “We’re not just growing renewable energy but also investing in traditional sources complemented by energy storage systems to ensure stability and reliability.”

This dual strategy underscores the company’s pragmatic approach to the energy transition: while renewable energy remains the end goal, traditional baseload power plants and emerging technologies like liquefied natural gas (LNG) serve as critical bridges to a sustainable future.

Innovating with Smart Power Plants

AboitizPower’s commitment to technological innovation took center stage with the launch of Project Arkanghel, a partnership with Thailand’s REPCO NEX Industrial Solutions.

This initiative introduced the Philippines’ first smart power plants, integrating digital twins into the 300 MW Therma South Plant in Davao City and the 340 MW Therma Visayas Plant in Cebu.

By leveraging data science and artificial intelligence, these digital twins simulate operational processes, optimize efficiency, and reduce downtime. This innovation underscores AboitizPower’s vision of a future where cutting-edge technology and sustainability go hand in hand.

Pioneering LNG and Energy Security

In 2024, AboitizPower made significant moves into the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector through its investment in Chromite Gas Holdings.

This venture positions LNG as a vital “bridge fuel” in the transition to renewable energy, offering a flexible and cost-efficient solution to support the grid while meeting rising electricity demands.

As the Philippines grapples with energy insecurity, AboitizPower has championed an “all-options-on-the-table” approach to the nation’s energy transition. This balanced strategy integrates traditional capacities, emerging technologies, and renewable energy solutions to stabilize the grid and meet evolving needs.

Tackling Cebu’s Power Challenges

With Cebu experiencing a record-breaking 7.3% economic growth year prior, the demand for reliable power has never been greater. AboitizPower responded by upgrading its 340 MW Therma Visayas plant into a smart power facility.

This ensures a more stable power supply for Cebu’s burgeoning industries, including manufacturing, hospitality, and IT-BPM.

Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia and other Cebu leaders have praised AboitizPower’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of energy security in sustaining the province’s economic trajectory.

“Energy is something you cannot compromise,” said Alfred Reyes, President of the Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu. “AboitizPower’s initiatives are a lifeline for Cebu’s tourism and business sectors.”

Empowering Communities

Beyond energy generation, AboitizPower’s dedication to community development shone brightly in 2024.

Programs like SNAP’s PUNLA-Upper Magat Watershed Management Program continued to restore rice terraces and rehabilitate forests in the Cordilleras, while Hedcor’s partnerships with Indigenous Peoples (IPs) funneled millions in royalty shares into education, infrastructure, and cultural preservation projects.

The BRIGHTS education program supported 115 scholars since its inception, producing graduates who are now contributing to their communities and the energy sector. These efforts demonstrate AboitizPower’s belief in building a sustainable future through meaningful partnerships.

Charting the Path Forward

As 2024 draws to a close, AboitizPower stands tall as a beacon of progress and innovation in the energy sector.

Its balanced approach—integrating renewables, advancing technological solutions, and fostering community empowerment—sets the stage for an even brighter future.

With a clear vision and resolute leadership under Danel C. Aboitiz, the company is poised to continue transforming energy for a better world. Here’s to another year of milestones and a sustainable future for the Philippines!