Prime CoreGen’s four gas-fired power plants in Batangas have cleared international management system audits, reinforcing operational safeguards across a combined capacity of about 2,000 megawatts that helps meet Luzon’s electricity requirements.
The reliability of these facilities carries significant weight for the power market. Santa Rita and San Lorenzo alone supplied 24.5 percent of Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) electricity purchases in October, highlighting their importance in meeting the distribution utility’s requirements.
Santa Rita, San Lorenzo, San Gabriel and Avion were recommended for the reissuance of their International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications covering quality management, environmental management, and occupational health and safety following an October 22 audit by TÜV NORD.
The audit of the plants’ asset management functions recorded zero nonconformities, while auditors cited management’s commitment to maintaining established systems and pursuing operational improvements.
Separately, Prime CoreGen Avion Inc.’s operations and maintenance unit completed its first surveillance audit by TÜV SÜD Philippines on November 4, earning a recommendation for continued certification under the same international standards.
Prime CoreGen president and chief executive officer Jocot de Dios said the results reflected the importance of disciplined asset management in maintaining dependable power generation.
“Reliable power generation requires more than generating capacity. It also depends on how consistently we manage our assets, maintain our systems, and uphold standards across our operations,” de Dios said.
The certifications provide structured frameworks for managing operational risks, environmental responsibilities and workplace safety. While they do not guarantee uninterrupted electricity generation, they establish systems for monitoring performance, identifying potential weaknesses and improving plant operations.
The four facilities form part of Prime Infra’s natural gas generation platform, which provides baseload, mid-merit, peaking and ancillary services to the Luzon grid.
Their operating flexibility is particularly relevant as the country increases its reliance on renewable energy, whose output can fluctuate depending on weather conditions and the availability of sunlight and wind.
Natural gas plants can help balance these variations by adjusting generation to changing electricity demand and renewable energy supply.
The role of flexible generation is expected to remain important as the Philippines pursues its target of sourcing 50 percent of its electricity generation from renewable energy by 2040, requiring sufficient dispatchable capacity to support grid stability as the energy mix evolves.
Prime CoreGen audits affirm safeguards across 2,000-MW gas fleet
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