Luzon power facility up for P2.5-B upgrade

National Grid Corp. of the Philippines is embarking on a critical P2.49-billion transmission project that will prepare its facilities in northern Luzon for the possible entry of wind-generated power.

In a paper it filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission, NGCP is seeking the approval to proceed with the construction of the Laoag-Bangui 230-kilovolt transmission line project, which will allow the entry of wind power projects in northwestern Luzon and improve the reliability of the transmission network in the region.

The project is an integral segment of the bigger Northern Luzon loop project, which aims to consolidate the individual 115-kilovolt connection line projects of several wind farm proponents in the Ilocos region into a unified 230-kV transmission corridor.

NGCP has also already identified the locations of the substations to be developed along this Northern Luzon loop, which will serve as the connection point for the proposed wind power plants.

Based on data from the Department of Energy, the northwestern part of the Luzon grid has the highest potential for wind power generation in the country.

Among the proposed wind projects in this area are the 48-megawatt Pasuquin east wind energy project phase 1; 72-MW Pasuquin east wind energy project phase 2; 87-MW Burgos wind farm; and the 80-MW Caparispisan and Balaoi wind project. These four projects alone are expected to generate a total of 287 MW.

“Pre-construction activities are needed to be undertaken in 2013 in order to meet the target completion in 2016,” NGCP said.