The Department of Energy (DOE) welcomed the energization of the transmission connection between Bohol and Cebu by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
The DOE said in a statement late Tuesday NGCP energized the Dumanjug-Corella 230 kV Line 1 and Dumanjug 70 MVAR on July 16, 2024, connecting Cebu to Bohol.
It said that with a 600-megawatt transfer capacity, the Cebu-Bohol 230 kV Interconnection Project would boost supply reliability in the Bohol grid by providing direct access to bulk generations from Cebu, in addition to the existing Leyte-Bohol submarine cable.
The DOE said the milestone is also crucial for Bohol where electricity demand has been increasing with the influx of tourists in the [rovince known for its white-sand beach areas and diving spots.
“Ensuring sufficient transmission capacity is crucial for the country’s economic development, as it promotes a reliable power supply that supports economic growth and investment,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
The DOE said the full completion of the project by December 2024 would resolve congestion in the Leyte-Bohol 138 kV interconnection, which would unburden consumers from high electricity prices in the area.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week also inaugurated the Hermosa-San Jose 500 kV Transmission Project which would significantly enhance power accessibility in the Luzon grid with 5,080 MW coming from existing power plants and 2,554 MW that would come from committed power generation projects.
The additional 2,554 MW will come from 17 committed power generation projects expected to become operational within the next three years. These committed power projects are Mariveles Coal-Fired Power Plant Units 2 to 6, Masinloc Power Plant Units 4 and 5, Mariveles Hydroelectric Power Project, San Marcelino Solar Power Project, Subic New PV Solar Power Plant Project, PAVI Green Orion Solar Power Plant Project, Palauig Solar Power Project, Samal Solar Power Project, Bataan-Zambales CW Wind Power Project, Hermosa Battery Energy Storage System, Subic Battery Energy Storage System and Phase 2 of the PCCP Limay Battery Energy Storage System Project.
The DOE said that with a full transfer capacity of 8,000 MW, the Hermosa-San Jose Transmission Project could allow transmission of power generation from about 7,634 MW existing and committed power plants in Bataan and Zambales to Metro Manila and other areas of Luzon.
The DOE said the completion of the Hermosa-San Jose Transmission Project exemplifies the power of collaboration between public and private entities to ensure a stable, reliable, and resilient power supply.
“We recognize the efforts of the NGCP in completing this project and the assistance extended by various government agencies in overcoming permitting challenges that delayed the project,” said Lotilla.
