Aboitiz Power Corporation, through its subsidiary Therma Marine Inc. (TMI), has officially started construction on a 48-megawatt (MW) hybrid battery energy storage system (BESS) in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.
According to a company statement, the new facility will be connected to TMI’s existing oil-fired power plant, Mobile 2, and will begin operations by the second quarter of 2026.
“Once completed, the Nasipit BESS project will help enable more grid stability and support the growing share of renewable energy in our grid. It’s a smart solution for a smarter energy landscape,” said AboitizPower Transition Business Group COO for Operated Assets Ronaldo Ramos.
(Also read: Why Energy Storage Systems Are Vital to Renewable Energy)
Enhancing grid stability
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) uses large-scale batteries to store electricity and release it when needed, much like a giant power bank for the grid.
By storing excess power from plants or renewables, BESS facilities provide a fast-response backup during demand spikes, helping maintain grid stability and enabling more efficient use of clean, renewable energy.
AboitizPower was among the first in the country to implement this technology, launching a pioneering hybrid BESS at its oil-fired TMI Mobile 1 plant in Maco, Davao de Oro. The facility began commercial operations in 2022.
(Also read: Davao de Oro Gets Southeast Asia’s First Floating Battery Storage System)
These hybrid systems are especially valuable in delivering quick, responsive power to help maintain grid stability. The BESS-equipped plants support ancillary services—backup functions that ensure a steady and reliable electricity supply during fluctuations in demand or unexpected outages.
“These oil-fired power plants, coupled with the BESS technology, play a crucial role in providing fast, responsive power to help balance supply and demand in the grid as an ancillary service. Ancillary services or backup power are support functions that ensure a reliable and stable power system,” the company added.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the Philippines has 480 MW of committed BESS capacity set for development this year, with an additional 134 MW expected to come online in 2026.
AboitizPower is advancing its clean energy push with more than 1,000 MW of disclosed renewable energy projects in development. These include solar, hydro, geothermal, wind, and battery energy storage technologies.
The company aims to grow its renewable capacity by 3,600 MW and reach a total energy portfolio of 9,200 MW by 2030. At least half of that capacity is expected to come from renewable sources.
Sources:
https://asian-power.com/project/exclusive/how-aboitizpowers-hybrid-bess-helps-secure-ph-grid
https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1248437
https://tribune.net.ph/2025/04/22/aboitizpower-begins-48-mw-bess-project
