San Miguel power unit to build more batteries

The energy subsidiary of San Miguel Corp. is doubling down on its expansion with more battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities targeted for completion in 2026.

Based on its disclosure to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp., San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp.’s (SMGP) 1,000-megawatt-hour (MWh) BESS network is nearing completion.

BESS has been gaining popularity among energy producers and not just for renewable developers. This technology can store excess electricity and release it during peak hours, or when the power grid requires a supply boost.

For this year, SMGP said seven sites will house a total of about 180 MWh of power storage capacity.

The group also tapped Taiwan-based energy solution provider ATE Energy for engineering, procurement and construction. That is, for a 320-MWh BESS project in Mariveles, Bataan, also set for 2026 completion.

In addition, BESS facilities with a combined capacity of 60 MWh in Leyte and Cagayan are undergoing testing and commissioning.

Out of the 1,000-MWh goal, SMGP has brought online BESS facilities with 500 MWh capacity as of June 2025. These include the 30-MWh Kabankalan project (Phases 1 and 2) and the 20-MWh Masinloc project (Phase 2).

Three BESS projects in Tarlac, Leyte and Misamis Oriental—with a combined capacity of 110 MWh—are also up and running.

SMGP, led by tycoon Ramon Ang, has been a crucial player in the local power market. It has about 5,710 megawatts (MW) of total capacity. Its portfolio includes natural gas, coal, renewable energy, including hydroelectric power and BESS.

Earlier this week, the group said its board of directors had approved the issuance of senior perpetual capital securities to raise up to $300 million. A portion of the proceeds is intended for its clean energy buildup.

The company said it would roll out more solar parks. The initial phase covers a capacity of 2,670 MW across Luzon and Mindanao. The group hopes to complete these by 2029.