𝟔𝟎-𝐌𝐖 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔
A 60-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that aims to strengthen grid reliability and support the Visayas’ growing energy demand broke ground in the City of Naga on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The project, led by AboitizPower Corp., was launched during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by company executives, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong, and government officials.
Designed with a power capacity of 60 megawatts and an energy capacity of 120 megawatt-hours, the facility will store surplus electricity and release it during periods of high demand. It is expected to provide fast-response ancillary services that improve grid stability, enhance system flexibility, and help ensure a more reliable power supply across the Visayas.
The facility will serve as a contingency and regulating reserve, supporting the grid’s ability to respond to fluctuations in electricity supply and demand.
“Naga BESS represents transformation in action. It reflects our efforts to strengthen the energy system by investing in people, infrastructure, and technology to enhance the flexibility, resilience, and reliability of the grid,” said Celso C. Caballero III, president of AboitizPower Transition Business Group.
Governor Baricuatro welcomed and expressed support for the facility’s purpose and its contribution to building a stronger, more resilient, and future-ready Cebu.
“As many of you know, one of my priorities has been making Cebu more investment-ready. We have been actively positioning Cebu as the Province of Charm—not only because of our beautiful destinations, but because of the warmth of our people, the strength of our workforce, and our commitment to creating an environment where businesses can thrive responsibly,” Gov. Baricuatro said in her message.
The governor also emphasized the importance of establishing projects such as the facility, saying they could greatly encourage international investors.
“But before we can attract more investments, we must also ensure that we have the infrastructure to support them,” Gov. Baricuatro said. “One of our biggest concerns today is power stability. In recent months, Cebu has experienced several yellow alerts, reminding us that as our economy grows and the demand for electricity continues to increase, we must also strengthen the systems that keep our homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, and industries running.”
She also assured the public that the Cebu Provincial Government would continue supporting private sector programs and initiatives that directly benefit the economy and the Cebuanos.
Meanwhile, Department of Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan also expressed his support for and gratitude over the Naga BESS, which is expected to help Cebu better withstand disruptions, support economic growth, and enable greater deployment of renewable energy across the Visayas.
“The Department of Energy commends AboitizPower for its continued confidence in the Philippine energy future. Your investment demonstrates that innovation and sustainability can go beyond what we have been dreaming of,” Usec. Marasigan said.
The facility is expected to begin operations in 2027. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑭𝑬
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