Battery storage-geothermal hybrid system to rise in Laguna

(From left) SDEPCI vice president Sun Ligang, ARI president Jimmy Villaroman, ARI COO Alex Coo, and Apri president Jeffrey Estrella sign the EPC contract for the pioneering Bay BESS Project—the first-ever BESS and geothermal hybrid system in the Philippines. —Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — On Nov. 7, AP Renewables Inc. (Apri), the geothermal arm of Aboitiz Power Corp., together with Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI), signed an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute Co. Ltd (SDEPCI) to build the Bay Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project at Barangay Bitin in Bay, Laguna, introducing a powerful new storage system to Apri’s existing portfolio of energy assets.

The Bay BESS Project will add crucial battery storage to Apri’s Makban geothermal plant through a specialized hybrid system, allowing it to quickly support the Luzon grid during peak demand periods and power disruptions. It has the potential to uplift the regional economy by promoting industrial growth and business development, helping encourage commerce, create jobs, and sustain local economic activity through dependable power in the region, which is crucial in supporting Luzon’s trade and industry sectors.

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Through such economic activities supported by reliable power, the Bay BESS Project will also help enable a higher tax base to support public services and more local infrastructure development.

“We are excited to be the host of this new investment. It contributes to the country’s energy transition and brings additional value to our host communities,” said Apri president Jeffrey Estrella in his remarks.

He was joined in by Alex Coo, ARI’s COO, who emphasized that “the Bay BESS Project is a groundbreaking milestone, being the first-ever BESS and geothermal hybrid system in the Philippines.”

SDEPCI vice president Sun Ligang said his company “commits to provide a good performance guarantee for the Bay BESS Project as it also marks a significant project for the Philippines.”

As a closing message, ARI president Jimmy Villaroman presented the other renewable energy projects of AboitizPower, saying that the company “recognizes that the energy transition is not a solitary endeavor.” Rather, “it demands collective action and dedication to overcome hurdles and achieve our shared goals.”

SDEPCI is a well-known leader in engineering and power plant system design, leading EPC projects in Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Cuba, and Mexico.

The Bay BESS Project represents a comprehensive investment in Laguna’s economic growth and quality of life, aligning with Apri’s goal of building long-term partnerships with its host communities.

Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower) is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It is a major producer of renewable energy, with several hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar power generation facilities.