Negros-based solar firm to build transmission units

MANILA, Philippines - Renewable energy developer Negros Island Solar Power Inc. (NISPI) is eyeing to build two transmission facilities worth P266 million to connect its solar projects in Negros Occidental to the grid.

In separate applications with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), NISPI is seeking clearance to build point-to-point limited facilities to connect its 40.7-megawatt solar power plant in Manapla and 32-MW solar plant in La Carlota City, both in Negros Occidental.

The transmission facilities for the Manapla project is estimated to cost P139.59 million.

Meanwhile, the construction cost for the point-to-point facility of La Carlota project is projected at P78.27 million and $1.01 million, or approximately P47.94 million, for a total of P126.21 million.

Apart from augmenting the power supply in the Visayas grid, these facilities will also be critical for the company to avail of the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) allocation. Deadline for eligibility for FIT is on March 16, 2016.

“NISPI prays that the Commission issue an order provisionally authorizing Sacasol and NISPI to develop and own or operate the fedicated facility project; and after hearing on the merits, render a decision approving the application,” the petition read.

The firm said the dedicated facility project of the Manapla project will be connected to the Visayas grid through the Cadiz-Victorias 69 kV line of Northern Negros Electric Cooperative Inc. and to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) Cadiz Substation.