In the Philippines, access to reliable and stable electricity has always been a challenge, especially in the southern island groups of Mindanao and Visayas. With limited resources and a fragmented power grid, these regions often face frequent power outages and struggle to keep up with the growing energy demand.
But on January 26, 2024, a historic event took place at Malacañang Palace – the ceremonial energization of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP). Led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., this marked a significant achievement in the country’s energy sector – the unification of the Philippines’ power grids.
The MVIP, spearheaded by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), represents a major step towards improving the stability and reliability of the country’s power supply. Originally scheduled for completion in December 2020, the project was delayed for just over 3 years due to a variety of factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic and damaged submarine cables. The constant delays of the MVIP, as well as other NGCP projects, had detrimental effects on the Philippine power ecosystem, but now, this Php52 billion project is finally set to bring numerous benefits to the Filipino people, including economic growth and sustainable energy supply.
Historic Power for the Philippines
No ordinary feat, the Filipino-built MVIP features 184-circuit kilometers (ckm) of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine transmission line connecting the grids of Mindanao and the Visayas. The MVIP also includes 526 ckm of overhead lines. This transmission line was designed to initially carry 450 megawatts (MW) of electricity, with a future capacity expansion of up to 900MW.
In both his message at the MVIP ceremonial energization and the State of the Nation Address back in July, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasised that this interconnection is seen as a realization of the long-held vision of a unified Philippine grid, which was conceived in the 1980s. “The realization of our ‘One Nation, One Grid’ aspiration is definitely a crucial turning point for this country in ensuring reliable power at all times,” Marcos said.
“One Nation, One Grid” refers to the vision of unifying the power grids of the Philippines’ three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This concept aims to create a more integrated and efficient electricity supply system across the country, ensuring that all regions have access to reliable and stable power.
The MVIP successfully transmitted an initial load of 22.5MW from Mindanao to Visayas on April 30, 2023. Over the following months, the transmission load gradually increased until it reached its full capacity of 450MW. Today, the grid is finally fulfilling its function. Filinvest Development Corporation-Misamis Power Corporation (FDC-Misamis), a Mindanao-based power generator, is now supplying 40 to 45 % of the electricity needs of Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO), a Visayas-based power company, as part of a 12-month, 20-MW power supply agreement. For the first time in history, Mindanao is supplying power to the Visayas.
Benefits of the MVIP
But what does this mean for the average Filipino? How will this project impact their daily lives?
First and foremost, the energization of the MVIP promotes national unity by connecting previously isolated power grids. This integration allows for the sharing of power resources among the three major island groups, ensuring a more balanced distribution of electricity. No longer will Mindanao and Visayas struggle with power shortages while Luzon enjoys an excess of supply.
The MVIP also brings economic benefits to the country. With a more stable and reliable power supply, businesses can operate more efficiently, leading to higher productivity and growth. This increase in economic activity can also attract more investors to the region, creating jobs and driving progress.
Additionally, the MVIP promotes sustainable energy practices in the country. With access to diverse power resources from different regions, the Philippines can reduce its reliance on non-renewable energy sources and transition towards cleaner and greener alternatives. This move towards sustainable energy is essential in addressing the global climate crisis and reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
The completion of the MVIP is also a testament to the Filipino workforce’s skills and ingenuity. NGCP’s team of engineers and professionals worked tirelessly to find creative solutions and overcome challenges in this unique project. With their expertise and dedication, they have proven that Filipino workers are truly world-class and can achieve great things.
With NGCP’s commitment to continuously improve and modernize the country’s transmission system, Filipinos can expect to see even more big projects completed in the next few years. This includes upgrading existing facilities, installing new substations and transmission lines, and doubling transformer capacities – all aimed at keeping up with the growing energy demand.
As the MVIP reaches full commercial operation, Filipinos can expect to see long-term benefits for the country as a whole. The united power grid will not only bring progress and development to Mindanao and Visayas but also contribute to the country’s overall growth and stability.
The Mindanao Visayas Interconnection Project is a testament to the Philippines’ determination to overcome challenges and achieve progress. It symbolizes national unity, economic growth, sustainable energy practices, and the Filipino people’s resilience and ingenuity. With this project, the once fragmented archipelago is now truly interconnected and finally powering towards a brighter future for all.
Photo Credits: NGCP
