SUMMARY
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AC Energy Corporation’s 150-megawatt (MW) diesel plant in Pililla, Rizal, was powered up, augmenting energy needs amid the shutdown of the Malampaya gas field for preventive maintenance.
In a disclosure to the local bourse on Wednesday, October 6, AC Energy said the P1.9-billion Ingrid power plant is its third facility to be switched on in 2021.
The power plant was built in partnership with Axia Power Holdings Philippines Corporation, a unit of Japan-based Marubeni Corporation.
Regulators allowed the Pililla diesel plant to be connected to the Luzon grid in July.
United Kingdom-based Aggreko installed 162 units of diesel generators to ensure the availability of the Ingrid plant. It will also provide operations and maintenance services to the plant.
AC Energy explained that firming its capacities is “critical” to its strategy for a lower carbon portfolio.
“To complement our renewables and to provide flexibility and stability to the grid, these firming assets will remain in our portfolio while we develop to scale up our energy storage facilities,” said AC Energy chief development officer Jose Maria Zabaleta.
According to its website, AC Energy’s portfolio is around 40% coal and diesel, while the rest are renewables.
AC Energy also said it is preparing for the start of operations of its 40-MW-per-hour battery storage plant in Alaminos, Laguna, and another 4 MW in Bataan.
Malampaya’s preventive maintenance started on Saturday, October 2, and will last until October 22. The gas field delivers a fifth of the country’s energy needs.
Both the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, the spot market operator, said supply would be adequate during the shutdown.
But the DOE admitted that there could be a power rate hike given that the more expensive liquid fuel will have to be used by gas-fired plants. – Rappler.com
Marc Aguilar is a Rappler intern. He is a communication student from St. Paul University Quezon City.
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