SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP), a joint venture of Scatec of Norway and Aboitiz Power Corp., broke ground on the second phase of its 16-megawatt Magat battery energy storage system (BESS) facility co-located at the Magat hydroelectric power plant in Ramon, Isabela on Feb. 20, 2025.
The Magat BESS Phase 2 will be integrated with the existing 24-MW Magat BESS 1, which began commercial operations in January 2024.
The combined 40-MW facility will operate as a single system once completed, providing ancillary services such as regulating reserve and contingency reserve to improve grid efficiency and reliability.
Magat BESS Phase 2 is part of the second wave of BESS projects that SNAP will pursue this year, with additional BESS capacities set to be constructed in the coming months.
“New technology and new technological solutions are paramount to the energy transition, aligning with our common ambition for renewable energy and green growth,” Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster said.
“Norway has years of expertise in renewable energy and we are committed to being part of the solution on a national, regional, and global level towards a green energy transition,” he said.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla expressed his appreciation to SN Aboitiz Power for its vision in advancing clean energy technologies.
“Today we are not just building infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable and energy-secure future. The impact of this initiative extends beyond the present — it is a legacy that will benefit generations of Filipinos,” Lotilla said.
SNAP signed engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreements with GEDI China Energy, a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group, for the development of the 40-MW Binga BESS facility at the Binga hydroelectric power plant in Itogon, Benguet early this week.
The Magat BESS Phase 2 and the Binga BESS represent key milestones in SNAP’s ongoing efforts to expand its energy storage capacity.
SNAP also unveiled its Integrated Remote Operations Center (iROC) located at the Magay hydro complex at the same event.
The iROC improves efficiency by providing real-time, centralized monitoring and control of SNAP’s five facilities in Isabela and Benguet. The iROC, designed to optimize plant operations, improve response times, and ensure seamless coordination across assets, marks a significant step in SNAP’s digital transformation efforts.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions,” said SNAP president and chief executive Joseph Yu.
“With the additional 56 MW of BESS projects across our plants and the launch of our integrated remote operations center, we are not only increasing the energy supply but also enhancing energy security and grid stability, in line with our long-term sustainability goals,” he said.
SNAP said construction for the BESS projects is set to begin in the first half of 2025, with commercial operations targeted for the first half of 2026.
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and China Banking Corporation will finance the Magat BESS Phase 2, while BPI and BDO Unibank will provide financing for the 40-MW Binga BESS.