Mariveles Power Generation Corp. is seeking an approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission to own and operate a dedicated point-to-point transmission facility to connect its 1,200-megawatt coal plant project to the Luzon Grid.
The transmission project, estimated to cost P1.868 billion, will be constructed via a direct connection to the Alas-asin 500-kV substation of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.
MPGC is constructing the coal plant which will employ circulating fluidized bed technology. The project will be implemented in phases.
The first four units, with a capacity of 150 MW each, are expected to be in place by 2022. The subsequent phases will be implemented up to 2024.
“The construction of the dedicated facility project is an indispensable requisite in order for the power plant to conduct its testing and commissioning on the fourth quarter of 2022 and ultimately to proceed with its commercial operations thereafter,” MPGC said.
The company plans to construct an 11-kilometer transmission line to interconnect the 500-kV gas-insulated switchgear of the power plant and the 500-kV NGCP’s Alas-asin Substation.
The proposed interconnection will traverse six barangays of Mariveles Bataan.
The testing and commissioning of the first unit will be conducted in the fourth quarter and is expected to be synchronized to the Luzon grid by December.
MPGC will fund the project which it said would not cause an impact on any regulated charges. Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp will construct the project.
The company said NGCP had certified that the power plant, consistent with the Transmission Development Plan.
“MPGC and NGCP have already agreed in principle as regards the general terms and conditions of their connection agreement and that the parties are now in the finalization process,” the company said.
The regulator set the hearings for MPGC’s application in October and November.