AboitizPower Unveils Southeast Asia’s First Hybrid Battery Storage System

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) proudly unveiled Southeast Asia's inaugural 49-megawatt (MW) hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Maco, Davao de Oro.

AboitizPower Thermal Business Group COO Ronaldo Ramos (5th from left) spearheads the inaugural switch-on of Southeast Asia’s pioneering Hybrid Battery Energy Storage System, situated on a floating platform. Joining him in this momentous occasion are Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga (4th from left) and Maco Mayor Voltaire Rimando (5th from right), alongside distinguished guests from the Department of Energy, Wartsila Philippines, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Therma Marine, Inc., and esteemed local government representatives. | Photos: AboitizPower

Nestled on a floating platform, this technological marvel, brought to life by AboitizPower's subsidiary, Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI), heralds a new era in energy innovation and sustainability.

But what exactly is a BESS, you may ask? 

Picture a colossal set of batteries poised to revolutionize the energy landscape. These batteries stand ready to store electrical energy, harvested from the grid, and release it precisely when needed. It's a dynamic dance of supply and demand, ensuring a seamless flow of electricity to homes and businesses alike.

This hybrid BESS isn't just a showpiece; it's a vital cog in the machinery of progress. By seamlessly integrating with TMI's existing diesel engines, it provides crucial ancillary services.

These services are the backbone of grid stability, ensuring a steady stream of high-quality electricity even in the face of fluctuations in demand or supply.

Commercially available since November 30, 2022, this hybrid BESS unlocks a world of possibilities. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind take center stage, the BESS steps in as a reliable partner.

It offers a lifeline during those moments when the sun sets or the wind wanes, bridging the gap with stored energy reserves.

Ronaldo Ramos, AboitizPower's Thermal Chief Operating Officer, captured the essence of this momentous occasion, calling it a "significant stride towards revolutionizing the Philippines' energy landscape."

Indeed, this isn't just about meeting today's needs; it's about paving the way for a brighter, greener tomorrow.

“The power barge that TMI currently operates has been in Maco, Davao de Oro since 1994. It was installed as part of the solution to address the then-power crisis in Mindanao. Thirty years later, who would’ve thought that we’d still find ourselves in the same mission of supporting our beloved Mindanao, this time with an innovative twist and a different need to address – the reserve requirements of the grid,” Ramos explained.

But the significance of this achievement extends beyond the confines of Maco. It resonates with the broader goals of the Philippines' energy sector. With the Mindanao-Visayas interconnection project on the horizon, and a burgeoning market for power reserves, the timing couldn't be more perfect.

Felix William Fuentebella, Department of Energy Undersecretary, hailed this milestone as a testament to AboitizPower's proactive efforts in advancing energy efficiency and conservation.

Through meaningful collaborations, they're not just reshaping the energy landscape; they're improving the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.

“The BESS inauguration ceremony is a great milestone where we see a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of Filipinos through innovative solutions. We recognize [AboitizPower’s] proactive efforts in the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation and renewable energy principles through a project that showcases the actualities of meaningful collaborations,” Usec. Fuentebella shared in a video message.

Looking ahead, AboitizPower's vision is clear: to lead the charge towards a sustainable future.

With plans to bolster renewable energy capacity and explore low-carbon technologies, they're laying the groundwork for a balanced energy portfolio that supports both progress and the planet.

As the sun sets on the shores of Davao de Oro, it casts a radiant glow on Southeast Asia's first hybrid BESS. It's a beacon of hope, a symbol of progress, and a testament to the power of innovation.

With AboitizPower at the helm, the future has never looked brighter.