DECEMBER 02, 2021

ABB and Solar Philippines deliver pioneering solar power plant project

• The 63.3 MW Calatagan Solar Plant is among the most advanced solar power plants in the country
• The site provides solar energy to more than 400,000 people
• ABB’s ‘plug n play’ solution reduced on-site installation time

ABB and solar energy provider Solar Philippines have collaborated on a 63.3 MW solar plant project that will provide more than 400,000 people with sustainable energy.

The Calatagan Solar Farm in Batangas is one of the largest solar facilities on Luzon, the largest and most populous island in the Philippines, with 200,928 solar panels providing electricity to more than 413,000 people¹ across six municipalities in Western Batangas.

The project, which was made possible with help from the Philippine government’s Feed-In Tariff (FIT) scheme, capitalizes on the abundant levels of sunlight in the Philippines. It is anticipated that the country has a potential solar-generating capacity of 4.5-5.5 kWh per square meter per day, making it ideal for solar power facilities, such as the Calatagan Solar Farm.

Calogero Saeli, Global Product Group Manager, Packaging and Solutions, ABB, explained: “Harnessing the power of the sun can only bring benefits for the Philippines, helping to increase energy efficiency and reduce potential impacts on the environment. We believe that the scope for solar power is greater than the aspirational target of 1,528 MW outlined in the Government’s National Renewable Energy Plan for 2030. The sun is an obvious energy source and is also a relatively easy renewable energy to implement and integrate into the grid. The cost of solar continues to get more affordable, which is good news for the local community and increasing the use of renewables will create much-needed jobs.”

To ensure continuous power supply, ABB provided the core Electrical Balance of Plant (eBOP) equipment, from the solar panel to grid connection, for the solar farm. This combination of low- and medium-voltage technology includes 23 2,400kVA and 13.8 kV skid-mounted modules, along with two bays of 69 kV substation equipment, 30 MVA 69 kV/13.8 kV power transformers, one modularized e-House with 14 frames of UniGear ZS1 switchgear with Relion® protection relays and one set of protection and control panels. and one set of protection and control panels.

The pre-engineered, predesigned integrated ‘plug and play’ solution provided to Solar Philippines reduced on-site installation time through the use of standardized building blocks. These are scalable and modular, which minimize site works and providing a quicker return on investment.

“The second round of the Philippines’ solar FIT scheme has an allocation of 500 MW and was a race to the finish. ABB was able to deliver the within the target deadline, making it a candidate for the government’s FIT program. To qualify for the preferential rates available via the Solar Feed-in Tariff program, the first 500 MW solar sites in the Philippines had to be operational by a strict deadline. ABB helped Solar Philippines complete the 63.3 MW Calatagan Solar Farm on schedule by using our pre-fabricated modular solutions which require less site works and enable faster completion times,” added Reynaldo Regenio, ABB Global Sub-Product Group Manager, Packaging and Solutions.

ABB has the most comprehensive portfolio of products, systems, solutions, and services in the renewable power value chain that enables the generation, transmission, and distribution of solar and wind power together with energy storage systems, from the smallest residential solutions to multi-megawatt systems. In partnership with Solar Philippines, the solar initiative will help country-wide efforts to shape a more sustainable future for the Philippines, particularly for local power and energy consumption.

ENDS

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation, and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB's success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com 

ABB's Electrification Business Area is a global leader in electrical products and solutions, operating in more than 100 countries, with over 200 manufacturing sites. Our 50,000+ employees are dedicated to transforming how people live, connect and work by delivering safe, smart, and sustainable electrification solutions. We are shaping the future trends of electrification, differentiating through technological and digital innovation while delivering an outstanding experience through operational excellence for our customers across utilities, industry, buildings, infrastructure, and mobility. go.abb/electrification

¹ Republic of the Philippines, Philippine Statistics Authority, https://psa.gov.ph/

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Becky Davies

Limegreen Communications

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