UK-based genco eyes 150 MW installation in Phl over 3 years

MANILA, Philippines - UK-based Aggreko plc is eyeing to install 150 megawatts (MW) in the country in three years, making the Philippines one of its fastest growing markets in Asia.

The Philippines will be a growth center for the company given its strategic location in the region, Aggreko (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. regional director Venkie Shantaram said on the sidelines of the Power & Electricity World Philippines 2016.

“Our ambition is to install 150 MW in the country… it will take a lot of investments,” he said.

“The Philippines is one of our fastest growing markets in Asia. Our three biggest markets in Asia are Indonesia, Bangladesh and Japan. I think the Philippines can join the group,” Shantaram said.

Recently, the company opened its first $10-million depot in Cabuyao, Laguna to work with utilities and industry in helping bridge the country’s power gap.

The Cabuyao project is poised to initially deliver 30 MW power, which can serve the needs of small-sized industries and hundreds of households across the country.

“The Philippines is one of our most strategic markets globally and in Asia, and our depot and service center opening makes our commitment very clear to serving our existing and potential customers in this market.  The Philippines sustaining six percent (economic) growth is ideal for Aggreko, with the country’s needs also growing,” Shantaram said.

Maximino Montenegro, country manager of Aggreko Energy Rental Solutions Inc., said the country has great potential for rental, quick-install generation sets given the power issues in the country, especially in Mindanao.

”We recognize that the Philippines’ growing economy has done well compared with its neighboring Asian countries. But it has the potential to even do better if the power shortage situation can be addressed, especially with the availability of new technologies and creative solutions,” he said.