NGCP completes Naga substation expansion

MANILA, Philippines - The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), the operator of the country’s power transmission highway, has completed the P704-million Naga substation expansion project.

The project involves the installation of one unit of 100-megavolt ampere transformer, nine 230 kilovolt and three 69-kv power circuit breakers and corresponding substation accessories.

“The new installation will increase the substation’s existing capacity and add to its current 100 MVA transformer,” NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza said.

By increasing the substation’s capacity, the facility will also be able to accommodate additional power supplies from generators, she added.

NGCP said the Naga expansion forms part of the Luzon Substation Project 1, which will reinforce the capacity of the substations in Bantay, Bauang, Cabanatuan, Cruz na Daan, Laoag and Binan.

NGCP has been expanding its facilities, including substations, as part of its compliance to the N-1 or single-outage contingency, a requirement of the Philippine Grid Code.

This Philippine Grid Code requirement refers to the ability of the grid to withstand the loss of a major system component with minimal disruption to the grid, NGCP said.

The project will address the N-1 requirement for the Naga substation, which caters to the power requirements of the region.

“The Bicol region has been steadily increasing its power demand, partly due to its development as an ecotourism destination. In response to that, NGCP saw the need to reinforce its transmission facilities to accommodate both supply and demand growth. Naga substation’s expansion is crucial to maintain the reliability of the grid, and in effect, sustain the region’s progress,” Alabanza said.