Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant: A Power System Design Suited for the Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market

Abstract

The paper outlines the electrical system design of Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant (NNGPP) with emphasis on its interconnection with the electricity grid as well as power delivery to its customers. The electrical system of the power plant is presented to show the power flow and protective/control devices that maintains the safety and efficient functions of generation equipment and auxiliaries. A brief discussion of the electrical power supply system for the Fluid Collection and Recycling System (FCRS) is also included hereby presenting the entire system from steam production to electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

The Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) Rules mandate that electricity trading shall be transparent to reflect the true cost of electricity while the Grid Code sets forth the basic technical requirements for the effective implementation of the electricity spot market. NNGPP adheres to these conditions thereby installing equipment that allow the transparent delivery of its generated power to designated customers. Thorough coordination with TransCo was undertaken in order to meet stringent grid requirements on equipments specifications as well as on operations and maintenance and thus enduring the efficient delivery of generated power to consumers.

The paper manifests that PNOC-EDC has matured through its over thirty (30) years of existence. The company's in-house capability has expanded immensely from its initial engineering and construction management of geothermal FCRS to power generation and delivery of electricity to the grid. NNGP is its first venture into actual power plant construction, operations and maintenance. This is the first turnkey power plant that underwent thorough design review undertaken by in-house personnel and shall be directly operated and maintained by PNOC-EDC. The next challenge for the company then is the capability to join foreign tenders for the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of new geothermal power plants.