SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) has reached financial close for two new battery energy storage system projects in Benguet, marking another step in the company’s push to scale flexible capacity as the Luzon grid grapples with rising renewable energy penetration.
The joint venture between Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. and Norway-based Scatec ASA said it achieved financial close on February 3, 2026, clearing the way for the development of 80 megawatts of new battery storage. The projects comprise a 40-MW BESS at the Binga Hydroelectric Power Plant and another 40-MW facility at the Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant. Both systems will be co-located with existing hydro assets and are designed to provide ancillary services to the Luzon grid through the reserves market.
The expansion builds on SNAP’s growing storage footprint. Its 24-MW BESS at the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant has been supplying ancillary services since 2024, while additional capacity—40 MW at Binga and 16 MW at Magat—is already under development and scheduled to begin commercial operations later this year. Once completed, SNAP’s total BESS capacity in operation and under construction will reach 160 MW, positioning the company among the country’s largest storage players.
Battery energy storage has become increasingly critical to grid stability, offering fast-response capabilities that help manage real-time frequency fluctuations and absorb variability from renewable power sources. For the Philippines, where solar and wind capacity are expanding rapidly, storage is emerging as a key enabler of a more reliable and resilient power system.
By pairing batteries with hydroelectric facilities, SNAP is effectively layering flexibility onto already dispatchable assets, enhancing their value in the ancillary services market. The strategy reflects a broader shift toward hybrid solutions that can respond quickly to grid needs while supporting long-term decarbonization goals.
Through continued investments in hydro, battery storage and other renewable technologies, SNAP and Aboitiz Renewables are reinforcing their role in the country’s energy transition. Aboitiz Renewables is the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corp., which has been steadily expanding its clean energy portfolio as demand for reliable, low-carbon power accelerates.
