SNAP breaks ground on 40-MW battery energy storage in Benguet

SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP), the renewable energy arm of the Aboitiz Group, has officially begun construction of a 40-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Binga hydroelectric power plant in Itogon, Benguet.

In a statement on Tuesday, SNAP announced the groundbreaking of the facility, marking the first BESS project to reach financial close and start construction in the Cordillera Administrative Region. This development follows finalized agreements with financial and engineering partners.

The Binga BESS project is SNAP’s third battery storage initiative, following the 24-MW Magat BESS and the ongoing 16-MW Magat BESS Phase 2. Once completed, these projects will bring the company’s total storage capacity to 80 MW by 2025.

SNAP President and CEO Joseph Yu expressed gratitude for the financial agreements secured last month.

“We are proud to break ground on our first BESS in Benguet. This project underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the country’s energy transition,” Yu said.

In February, SNAP finalized an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with China Energy Engineering Group, a subsidiary of GEDI China Energy, and secured funding from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO).

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key industry figures, including Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan and Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster.

Lyster highlighted the importance of battery storage in stabilizing the grid as the country moves toward greater renewable energy adoption.

“Renewable energy is weather-dependent, and batteries are essential for grid balancing. Today’s event is significant not only for SNAP but for the Philippines, enabling the country to achieve its goal of 30 percent renewable energy by 2030. Norway is committed to contributing to your green energy future,” Lyster said.

The Binga BESS is expected to enhance grid reliability, improve renewable energy integration, and contribute to the country’s clean energy targets.