NGCP expects to complete Mindanao backbone early

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) expects to complete the reinforcement of the Mindanao transmission backbone in the first quarter of 2019, a full quarter ahead of its original schedule.

NGCP said the 230-kilovolt (kv) Mindanao Transmission Backbone Project, originally targeted for completion on June 2019, would address the anticipated addition of bulk power generation in the area by strengthening the existing capacity of the Matanao-TorilBunawan and the Balo-i-Maramag-Bunawan transmission lines from 138 kv to 230 kv.

The grid operator will also upgrade various key substations to accommodate the line and the additional power capacity expected to flow through.

Once in place, the project will accommodate renewable and conventional power plants in the northern and southern parts of Mindanao, which will, in turn, ensure stable and continuous power from Lanao del Norte, passing though Agusan del Sur, all the way to Davao del Sur.

“With the completion of the project, large generating plants such as GNPower and San Miguel Corp. will be able to connect to the grid, mitigating the once known vulnerabilities of hydropower and maximizing the generating capability of incoming plants. This means that we can maintain the quality and reliability of power which Mindanaoans will be able to enjoy. We are excited for the projects lined up for Mindanao as this will create a solid energy corridor in the island,” NGCP said.

The Mindanao backbone project would also be an integral part of the VisayasMindanao Interconnection Project (VMIP) which will complete the link between the country’s power grids, allowing power between the major islands to be shared, and ensuring the reliability and stability of the grid.

“The Mindanao backbone project is key to the VMIP because it provides the transmission highway to accommodate the capacity which the interconnection needs for it to be fully utilized by both Visayas and Mindanao,” NGCP said.

It added part of fast-tracking the implementation of its grid enhancement and expansion projects is the support of local government units (LGUs).

For the Mindanao backbone project, the LGU of Davao del Sur played a big part in expediting project completion by assisting in the acquisition of right-of-way (ROW), which is often the longest and most tedious component of the project.

“The support given by the Davao del Sur LGU was instrumental in shortening the project timeline, allowing NGCP to complete its target early and, in effect, provide better, continuous power transmission services to the public. We are appealing for the same support from other LGUs, as well as the public, as we all have a common goal of efficiently providing the power needs of the country,” NGCP said.