Scatec JV reaches financial close for 56 MW BESS in the Philippines and prepares for construction start

The battery systems will be connected to the Magat and Binga hydro power plants, generating revenues from the highly attractive ancillary services reserves market. The new capacity is building on the success of the existing 24 MW BESS connected to the Magat power plant, which has been generating solid ancillary services revenues since start of operation in 2024.

Batteries are optimal for ancillary services due to their fast response time to tackle fluctuations in grid frequency, flexibility to perform multiple grid services, and cost competitiveness. Ancillary services will be increasingly important over time in the Philippines due to higher penetration of renewables driven by the government’s ambitious renewables targets.

“We are very excited to start construction of the new BESS projects in the Philippines. With the new batteries we will more than triple our storage capacity to 80 MW, increasing the value of our hydro power plants and strengthening our position as a leading provider of ancillary services in the country. Ancillary services in the Philippines is a highly attractive source of revenues and we will continue to expand our storage capacity taking an even larger share of the market over time,” says CEO Terje Pilskog.

The projects are owned by Scatec’s 50/50 joint venture with Aboitiz Power in the Philippines and will be financed through project debt drawn under the existing debt facilities related to the Magat and Binga hydro power plants.