The National Power Corp. (NPC) has inaugurated power facilities in Catanduanes that are expected to improve reliability and power dispatch in the island province apart from increasing its renewable energy (RE) resources.
NPC said it has launched the San Miguel to Viga 69 kiloVolt transmission line, the 5 megavolt amperes Viga substation and the 30 kilowatts (kW) Palumbanes Island solar photovoltaic (PV) diesel hybrid system.
Rene Barruela, NPC vice president for Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG), said the 23-circuit kilometer transmission line and the new substation will enhance the delivery of electricity in the northern part of the province.
“Equipped with the latest technology, the Viga substation will significantly boost the grid’s capacity and pave the way for new power resources,” Barruela said.
This will also improve the province’s resilience against power disruptions and accommodate future growth in energy demand, NPC added.
NPC said the 30 kW Palumbanes Island solar PV-diesel hybrid system offers a sustainable energy solution for over 200 households in the off-grid area and reduces the island’s dependence on diesel and gradually decreases fuel costs.
Meanwhile, Rogel Teves, NPC vice president for power engineering services, said other RE-hybrid projects in the pipeline are those in Rapu-rapu, Albay; Palanan, Isabela; and Cuaming, Bohol.
