SNAP BREAKS GROUND ON FIRST BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY IN CAR

March 30, 2025 Community Billboard

Renewable energy provider SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) Group has broken ground on the 40- megawatt (MW) Binga battery energy storage system (BESS) facility co-located at the Binga Hydroelectric Power Plant, Itogon, Benguet on March 24, 2025. The Binga BESS is SNAP’s
first battery storage project in Benguet and the third in its fleet. It marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to support the Philippines’ transition to renewable energy. “We are proud to break ground on our first BESS in Benguet and the first BESS facility to reach financial close and start construction in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

This project underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the country’s energy transition,” said Joseph Yu, SNAP President and Chief Executive Officer. This is part of the company’s broader strategy to integrate complementary technologies with their hydro assets contributing to the development of a more resilient and secure energy market in the Philippines. SNAP Group Chief Operations Officer Michael Bon Hosillos reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible operations and sustainable practices,
highlighting the importance of transparency and collaboration with the local community. “We deeply value the trust and support of this community, and we pledge to operate responsibly, sustainably, and transparently.

From environmental stewardship to local job creation, we are committed to being not just a facility in this community but a true partner in its growth,” he said. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key officials, including Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan from the Department of Energy and Ambassador of Norway to the Philippines who expressed their support for the project. “The Binga BESS project
demonstrates the optimization of the country’s energy system. SNAP continues to enhance grid stability while reinforcing its commitment to green energy,” said Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla from DOE in a video message.

His Excellency Ambassador of Norway to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster noted that “the installation of BESS in Binga is another breakthrough in SNAP’s commitment to innovative renewable energy solutions.” “Renewable energy is weather dependent; balancing the grid requires batteries. Today’s event is not only important for SNAP but for the Philippines, enabling the country to achieve its goal
towards 30% renewable by 2030. From Norway’s side, we are committed to contributing so that you can achieve a green energy future. The Norwegian Embassy in Manila is truly dedicated to work closely with energy and industry stakeholders to push the green energy agenda,” he added.

This Binga BESS project builds on the 24-MW Magat BESS and the ongoing development of the 16-MW Magat BESS Phase 2, which
together will bring SNAP’s total battery storage capacity to 80 MW by 2026. In February, SNAP sealed its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) deals with GEDI China Energy, a China Energy Engineering Group subsidiary for the development of the 40-MW
Binga BESS. The Binga BESS will be funded by the Bank of the Philippine Islands and BDO Unibank, Inc.