The first ever solar-plus-storage hybrid resources system has come into operation in the Philippines.
It has been possible following the switching of the site’s battery energy storage system (BESS) by the energy company AC Energy (ACEN).
The 40MW pilot battery energy storage project is based at the site of Alaminos Solar which is a 120MW solar PV power plant. The site’s 120MW solar plant was brought online in June 2021.
The PV plant is located in the municipality of Alaminos, Laguna, about 80km south of the country’s capital Manila.
According to ACEN, "the BESS has been brought online and will be used to evaluate opportunities to develop more storage across the company’s portfolio." It said that the BESS consists of two 20MW facilities with 1.5 hour duration each with a total capacity of 40MW/60MWh.
It further informed that it was supplied by Saft, the battery manufacturer and energy storage company owned by Total Energies.
According to ACEN, a long-term power purchase agreement for the plant's output has been signed between ACEN and Ayala Land.
“We will be looking to increase our investments in storage as the technology increases its viability and competitiveness,” ACEN’s president and CEO Eric Francia remarked.
