Manila: The Department of Energy (DOE) is evaluating the deployment of at least four facilities, including power barges, modular generator sets, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), as potential solutions to mitigate the ongoing capacity shortfall in the Visayas grid.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative arises as the demand for electricity continues to surpass available supply, primarily due to the forced outages of several units at major coal-fired power plants. These include Units 1 and 2 of Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI), Unit 3 of Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC), and Unit 2 of Kepco SPC Power Corp. (KSPC).

Since May 12, the Visayas grid has been subjected to 17 yellow alerts and four red alerts owing to insufficient operating reserves and generating capacity to meet contingency requirements. "We have already confirmed that there will be an incoming 30-megawatt battery storage system in Mactan, Cebu," stated DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan during an online briefing. This system is in the commissioning phase while negotiations are ongoing for the installation of at least a 20-megawatt modular diesel genset.

Marasigan further mentioned that the DOE has authorized the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to proceed with direct negotiations for ancillary services to help resolve the Visayas grid's capacity challenges. Additionally, two renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of about 68.99 MW are anticipated to come online soon.

He highlighted that a minimum of 150 MW of additional capacity is required to stabilize the Visayas grid while several generating units undergo repairs. The affected KSPC unit is expected to return to service by June 2, PEDC's Unit 3 by July 3, and TVI's units by August 22 and 30.

For the Luzon grid, Marasigan noted that the available capacity remains sufficient despite reduced output from several hydropower plants. He reported the successful restoration and energization of the 500-kilovolt (kV) Ilijan-Tayabas and Ilijan-Dasmari±as extra-high-voltage power lines, which are in the final stages of repair.

Meanwhile, the rotational power outages impacting Catanduanes are projected to be resolved "in the next 10 or 11 days." The DOE has coordinated with the NGCP, National Electrification Administration, and the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative to ensure adequate power supply for consumers in the province. "We assure that Catanduanes will have their full supply in 10 days," Marasigan confirmed.