'Grid interconnections are expected to enhance power distribution efficiency, reduce system losses, and lower consumer electricity costs.'
The recent ceremonial energization of the 230-kilovolt (kV) Cebu-Negros-Panay (CNP) backbone project 3 in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. sparked optimism among many Ilonggos.
The CNP3 initiative, aimed at providing transmission capacity for generating 400 megawatts (MW) for Panay Island and 500 MW for Negros, promised to bolster the region's energy landscape.
However, amidst this optimism, concerns loom as the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) raised a yellow alert for the Visayas grid, citing 20 power plants under "forced outage" and nine others operating at "derated capacities," totaling 604.4MW unavailable to the grid. This situation hints at potential power outages in the region.
In response to these challenges and in anticipation of peak demand, Western Visayas is prioritizing the establishment of a Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ), as highlighted by the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 6.
The CREZ initiative aligns to achieve sustainable, stable, secure, sufficient, and accessible energy for the region and the country, as outlined in the Transmission Development Plan (TSD) for 2020 to 2040.
Call On Investors
The renewable energy potential in Panay and Negros is significant, with 2,696MW for solar and 2,628MW for wind, according to RDC data.
Grid interconnections are expected to enhance power distribution efficiency, reduce system losses, and lower consumer electricity costs.
During the CNP3 ceremony, President Marcos called on energy stakeholders and private investors to contribute to the development of energy infrastructure in Negros and Panay. Marcos emphasized the importance of meeting long-term power demands and fostering regional development.
The CNP 230-kV Backbone Project, with a budget of P67.9 billion, comprises CNP1, CNP2, CNP3, and the Negros-Panay Interconnection Project Line 2 (NPIP L2), aimed at strengthening the grid and enhancing power transmission reliability across Cebu, Negros, and Panay.
Multi-Faceted Approach
The completion of transmission projects is crucial to accommodate the projected increase in peak demand by 2029 and facilitate power exchange between Panay, Negros, and Cebu.
This includes the development of additional transmission lines, expanding major substations, and the installation of submarine cables to enhance connectivity and flexibility.
Western Visayas' journey towards achieving reliable energy involves a multi-faceted approach, including investment in renewable energy, grid infrastructure enhancement, and stakeholder collaboration.
By prioritizing these initiatives, the region can navigate challenges and pave the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonCoverStory #GridInterconnections #CNP #NGCP