DOE: Pumped storage key to Phl energy transition, local development

Pumped storage projects are a key part of the Philippines’ energy transition strategy and a catalyst for local development, according to an official of the Department of Energy–Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DOE-REMB).

“Bakit tayo nagkakaroon ng pumped storage? Ang Department of Energy, ang target papunta na tayo doon sa energy transition. Ibig sabihin noon, ‘yung dependency natin sa mga fossil fuels, sa coal or oil-based power plants ay unti-unti na nating papalitan ng mga renewable energy resources,” said Ariel Fronda, Officer-in-Charge of the Hydropower & Ocean Energy Management Division under DOE-REMB.

Fronda made the remarks during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the creation of a multipartite monitoring team (MMT) for the 600MW Wawa Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Project.

“’Yung benepisyong matatanggap ninyo, malaki ang maitutulong sa inyo lalong lalo na sa pag-develop o progress ng inyong lugar o ng barangay. Sa experience ko — matagal na ako sa DOE — lahat ng napuntahan kong may power plants o energy projects, lahat iyan ay umasenso ang mga local government units,” he said.

He noted that part of the benefits comes through Energy Regulations (ER) No. 1-94, which requires generation companies and developers to set aside Php 0.01 per kilowatt-hour of total electricity sales for the host province, city, or municipality.

The DOE official also acknowledged Olympia Violago Water and Power Inc. (OVWPI), a Prime Infra subsidiary and the Wawa project proponent, for aligning with the national government’s energy security goals.

“Ang nakakatuwa ay open kayo sa ganiyang development. Kung ano ang target o plano ng national level hanggang sa local government ay sumusuporta kayo doon, at kami naman sa national, Department of Energy, ‘yan kasi ang aming mandato na magkaroon tayo ng affordable, accessible source of energy. So again, maraming salamat sa opportunity at ako natutuwa na nagko-comply ang developer sa mga regulatory requirements,” he said.

Also present at the 31 July MOA signing in Antipolo City were Rizal Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Ramil Limpiada, Acting Municipal Mayor of San Mateo, Rizal, Mary Grace Diaz, Antipolo City Environment and Waste Management Office OIC Engr. Rommel Daquioag, and Prime Infra Regulatory Head for Hydropower Projects Miguel Marfil.

The 600MW Wawa pumped storage project is designed to support the power grid’s ancillary energy supply and storage needs. It will have a daily energy storage capacity of 6,000 megawatt-hours (MWh), storing excess renewable energy when supply is high and dispatching it when supply dips. Operations are targeted to start by 2030.

The MMT will serve as a local, multi-stakeholder body to ensure the project meets environmental and social safeguards.