NAGA CITY, Cebu — A 60‑megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that promises to fortify the Visayas power grid broke ground here on July 1, 2026. AboitizPower Corp. is spearheading the facility, which is set to deliver fast‑response energy reserves and support the region’s accelerating economic momentum.
A Power Boost for the Visayas
The Naga BESS is designed with a power capacity of 60 megawatts and an energy capacity of 120 megawatt‑hours. It will absorb surplus electricity during off‑peak hours and release it precisely when demand spikes. This charging‑and‑discharging cycle acts as a cushion, preventing sudden frequency drops and brownouts.
The facility will function as both a contingency and regulating reserve. By responding within milliseconds to grid fluctuations, it helps maintain the delicate balance between generation and consumption. For industries and commercial hubs across Cebu, such stability translates directly into uninterrupted operations and sustained investor confidence.
Stabilizing the Grid for Economic Growth
Celso C. Caballero III, president of AboitizPower’s Transition Business Group, described the project as “transformation in action.” He emphasized that the investment strengthens the energy system through advanced technology and infrastructure, making the grid more flexible and resilient. The project reflects a broader strategy to modernize power delivery across the Visayas.
The groundbreaking comes at a critical time for Cebu, which has experienced several yellow alerts in recent months. Rapid urbanization and expanding economic activities have pushed electricity demand upward, straining existing capacity. The BESS offers a near‑term solution, buying time while longer‑term generation projects come online.
Provincial Support for Investment Readiness
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed the facility, framing it as essential to the province’s ambition to become a premier investment destination. She noted that Cebu is being positioned as the “Province of Charm,” where a skilled workforce and a supportive business climate attract capital. However, she stressed that infrastructure, particularly stable power, must underpin that vision.
“Before we can attract more investments, we must ensure we have the infrastructure to support them,” Governor Baricuatro said. She cited the recent yellow alerts as a reminder that economic growth requires a reliable electricity backbone. The provincial government, she added, will continue backing private‑sector initiatives that directly benefit Cebuanos.
National Backing and Future Operations
Department of Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan also expressed strong support, noting that the project demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can align. He commended AboitizPower for its confidence in the Philippine energy future, stating that such investments go beyond traditional generation. The BESS is expected to enable greater integration of renewable energy into the Visayas grid.
The facility is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2027. Once online, it will provide the grid with crucial ancillary services, reducing dependence on imported fuel‑based peaking plants. For local businesses and households, the promise is a more dependable power supply that can keep pace with a fast‑growing regional economy.
