Interconnectivity eyed for Visayas, Mindanao

CEBU, Philippines - A study is now being undertaken to possibly interconnect the Visayas and Mindanao grids as a prelude to interconnecting the entire country.

Redi Alan Remorosa, acting head of the Transmission Planning Department of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, said that the first study was for the two islands to be interconnected through the eastern corridor but they found it very expensive.

  Remorosa said that this time they are studying the western corridor for the possible interconnection.

“Under study pa ang interconnection through the western corridor and so far, we do not have the cost yet for this project,” said Remorosa, who was one of the speakers in yesterday’s Visayas Energy Investment Forum.

Zenaida Monzada, acting secretary of the Department of Energy, said that they want the whole country to be interconnected and NGCP is the one in-charged in conducting the study.

“NGCP have studied the eastern corridor but it would be very expensive. It would add to the cost terribly. What we need is lower power rates, padagdagan mo ng grabe, it’s not good. That’s why they are asked to conduct another study and look for other alternate route that is cheaper,” Monzada said.

Monzada explained that Mindanao will have an excess supply of power based on its power outlook. She said that there are many committed coal projects in Mindanao.

“Investors will put up the power plants there and then export the power to the Visayas and Luzon,” Monzada said.

According to Monzada, the interconnectivity is needed to encourage investors to pursue their projects in Mindanao.

“The three islands can share its excess power,” Monzada said.

At present only Luzon and Visayas are interconnected through the High Voltage Direct Cable.  She further said that they are pressing NGCP to finish the interconnection study and implement it.

Meanwhile, DOE undersecretary Loreta Anson said that the investment forum would attract investors in the energy sector.

“We can accelerate energy investments that will significantly contribute to the sustained economic growth of our country,” Anson said.

DOE-7 director Antonio Labios said that it was their 7th energy investment forum. It was aimed to update the energy players and investors on the development of the energy sources.  (FREEMAN)