NGCP plans to start Bataan-Cavite-Mla transmission proj

MANILA, Philippines - The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), the operators of the country’s power transmission highway, is seeking the nod of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to implement the first phase of the Bataan-Cavite-Metro Manila transmission line project.

The project is part of NGCP’s Transmission Development Plan, a blueprint to improve the transmission system so it can accommodate the growing power capacity in the country.

In its application, NGCP asked for authority for the immediate implementation of the project, which aims to establish the most feasible submarine cable link between Bataan and Cavite/Metro Manila.

The project is necessary to bring in additional generation capacity from Bataan to Metro Manila, where demand is higher, NGCP said.

NGCP expects 4,500 megawatts (MW) of additional generation capacity in Bataan from 2016 to 2020. These will come from GNPower (1,200 MW), San Miguel Consolidated Power Corp. (900 MW) and AG&P Co. (2,400 MW).

The additional capacity will increase the current installed capacity of 1,360 MW to 5,860 MW, data from the grid operator showed.

To address this future scenario, NGCP needs to reinforce its existing transmission lines in Bataan through the construction of the proposed submarine cable, NGCP president and chief executive officer Henry Sy Jr. said.

“Our existing lines in Bataan are just enough to cater to the existing generation capacity. It is imperative for NGCP to complete this project to efficiently deliver this much needed supply to Metro Manila. The supply will more than triple in the next five years. We have to catch up,” he said.

NGCP would be implementing a feasibility study, estimated to cost P161 million, to determine the best system, design, and route of the submarine and overhead transmission lines. It is expected to be finished within a 12-month period.

Once the study is completed, NGCP will apply to the ERC for the implementation of the construction phase.

The Bataan-Cavite/Metro Manila Transmission Line Project is part of NGCP’s effort to build and loop the extra high voltage (EHV) backbone system for the Luzon grid, it also said.

Aside from the Bataan-Cavite-Metro Manila transmission project, NGCP also has other projects in the pipeline to improve the transmission systems in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids.

The projects are contained in the TDP, a 10-year plan for the expansion, upgrading, rehabilitation, repair, and maintenance of the Country’s transmission system.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining and developing the country’s power transmission network.

The company won a 25-year concession to run the country’s transmission assets after it took over the management of the national transmission network in 2008 from the government.