Aboitiz Starts 239-MWp Solar With 65-MW Storage

• Aboitiz Renewables breaks ground on a 239-MWp hybrid solar project in Negros Occidental, pairing 65-MW BESS to boost grid reliability, cut fossil imports, and energize local jobs.

Aboitiz Renewables Inc has broken ground on a hybrid solar project in Negros Occidental, the Philippines. The company will build a 239-MWp solar photovoltaic facility paired with an integrated 65-MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

The project is intended to improve grid reliability by storing excess daytime solar power and dispatching it during higher demand or when renewable output falls. It forms part of the Philippines’ push to expand solar and energy storage to diversify the electricity mix, bolster energy security, and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Construction and operations are expected to support local jobs and regional economic activity.

How will Aboitiz’s 239-MWp solar and 65-MW BESS boost Negros grid reliability?

• Reduces supply-demand swings by charging batteries with excess midday solar output and discharging during evening peaks when demand rises and solar generation drops.
  
• Improves short-term dispatchability of renewables, making it easier for grid operators in Negros Occidental to meet load even when weather causes sudden changes in solar output.
  
• Strengthens reliability by providing additional “firm” capacity—helping maintain power continuity during times when renewable output alone may be insufficient.
  
• Supports grid stability services such as fast-responding frequency and voltage support, which can help limit disturbances and improve power quality.
  
• Cuts the risk of renewable curtailment by storing surplus generation instead of spilling it when the grid is already saturated with solar supply.
  
• Adds dependable operating reserves, giving the grid more flexibility to recover from contingencies like generator outages or transmission constraints.
  
• Enables more efficient integration of more solar onto the local grid by improving the system’s ability to handle variability.
  
• Helps reduce reliance on fossil-fired peaking or reserve plants for balancing needs, which can lower exposure to fuel supply disruptions and price volatility.
  
• Enhances energy security by diversifying generation sources and pairing them with storage to better withstand periods of low renewable availability.
• Can improve resilience for industrial and community loads by supplying back-up energy during critical demand windows or operational disruptions.