AboitizPower breaks ground on 48MW Nasipit hybrid energy storage system

The construction of a 48-megawatt (MW) hybrid battery energy storage system (BESS) in Nasipit has officially commenced, signaling another major step toward improving the stability and flexibility of the Philippines’ power grid.

The project, spearheaded by Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp., broke ground on Monday and is targeted to be operational by the second quarter of 2026. The BESS facility will be integrated into TMI's oil-fired Mobile 2 plant in Lawis, Sta. Ana.

Once completed, the facility is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid, particularly as the share of intermittent renewable energy sources continues to rise.

“Once completed, the Nasipit BESS project will help enable more grid stability and support the growing share of renewable energy in our grid. It’s a smart solution for a smarter energy landscape,” said Ronaldo Ramos, AboitizPower Transition Business Group Chief Operating Officer for Operated Assets, in a statement on Tuesday.

AboitizPower is already a known pioneer in hybrid energy storage technology, having launched the country's first hybrid BESS at its TMI Mobile 1 plant in Maco, Davao de Oro three years ago.

The company emphasized that combining BESS with oil-fired power plants provides fast and responsive ancillary services — a type of backup power essential to maintaining balance and reliability within the national power grid.

According to the Department of Energy, the Philippines currently has 480 MW of committed BESS capacity for 2025, with an additional 134 MW projected to be added in 2026.

The Nasipit BESS is expected to significantly contribute to that capacity, while enhancing energy reliability in Mindanao and supporting the country’s broader energy transition goals.