Bangkok – 13 June 2024: Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), one of the major power producers in the Philippines has partnered with REPCO NEX, a subsidiary of SCG Chemicals (SCGC), a provider of integrated industrial and digital solutions, have signed a collaboration agreement for the Arkanghel Project. This project aims to develop the first smart power plant in the Philippines, enhancing power production stability through Digital Twin technology. This initiative aligns with the megatrend of increasing energy demand in ASEAN, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The Arkanghel Project focuses on developing a Digital Twin model for power plants, enabling energy producers to simulate internal processes within the power plant. This technology allows for the accurate prediction of actual performance by taking environmental factors into account, guiding optimal operational strategies for different scenarios, and enabling early detection of anomalies. The initial development will be implemented in AboitizPower’s circulating fluidized bed (CFB) coal-fired power plants, namely the 340-megawatt Therma Visayas Power Plant in Toledo City, Cebu, and the 300-megawatt Therma South Power Plant in Davao City. These facilities will serve as prototypes for future installations in other thermal power plants.
In addition to the CFB technology that recirculating combustion to enhance electricity production efficiency, the Digital Twin technology will empower operators to make precise decisions using data and artificial intelligence (AI). This will support and elevate asset performance management throughout the asset life cycle via predictive maintenance processes. These proactive measures will reduce both planned and unplanned power plant downtimes.
Mr. Sandro Aboitiz, Chief Financial Officer of AboitizPower, said, ” Our power plants serve as our aces in the deck as we confront the imperative to enhance the reliability and availability of electricity. Recognizing the need to maintain our competitive edge in this dynamic landscape, we realize that seamlessly integrating cutting-edge data science with our existing critical assets is key to add an indelible value to our energy transition journey.”
Mr. Aldo Ramos, Chief Operating Officer of AboitizPower, said, ” Collectively, Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing economies with a significantly increasing energy demand to match. Average global energy demand grew by 16% between 2015 and 2021 while ASEAN’s grew by 22%. ASEAN faces the challenge of improving its socio-economic conditions, while fulfilling its energy transition targets, amidst rapid (energy demand) growth, all while doing what it can to curb the effects of climate change.”
“It is through all these factors that Project Arkanghel came to be. It embodies our dedication to providing reliable and resilient power to meet present energy needs, optimizing our current coal-fired power plants to allow them to bridge the gap as renewable energy technologies are still maturing,” he added.
Mr. Mongkol Hengrojanasophon, Chief Operations Officer of SCG Chemicals (SCGC), said, “The key driving forces behind the megatrends of AI and ESG are the energy sector, which serves as the infrastructure and cornerstone for the development of every country. REPCO NEX is ready to be a part of this significant transition alongside AboitizPower, the leading power provider in the Philippines. With the expertise and experience of the REPCO NEX team in digital solutions for industries and operational excellence, we will support this project to operate efficiently, create added value, and achieve sustainable growth.”
Mr. Chakorn Kraivichien, Managing Director of REPCO NEX, a subsidiary of SCG Chemicals (SCGC), said, “REPCO NEX will integrate big data into the analysis process and create models to provide alerts and recommendations for power plant operations. These models can be practically implemented, enabling stakeholders to make precise decisions. Furthermore, REPCO NEX will help enhance the digital knowledge of AboitizPower staff by combining Operational Technology (OT) with Information Technology (IT). This integration will significantly improve business efficiency and speed. In addition to increasing power production, it will also help save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This collaboration between AboitizPower and REPCO NEX will undoubtedly ensure the successful development of the first smart power plant in the Philippines according to the planned schedule.”
About AboitizPower
Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) is a holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. AboitizPower aims to improve the quality of life for Filipinos and create a better world.
AboitizPower is one of the largest power producers in the Philippines, with a balanced portfolio of assets located across the country. It is also a significant renewable energy producer, operating numerous hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar power generation facilities. Additionally, it has thermal power plants in its generation portfolio to support the country’s baseload and peak energy demands. Aboitiz Data Innovation, a subsidiary of the Aboitiz Group, provides data science and artificial intelligence (AI) services to companies within and outside the Aboitiz Group. Furthermore, AboitizPower owns distribution utilities that operate in high-growth areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including the country’s second- and third-largest private utilities.
The Aboitiz Group launched the “Great Transformation” campaign in 2022 to become the first Techglomerate in the Philippines, leveraging resources and collaborations with companies to deliver added value and elevate the country’s economy with advanced technology.
To align with the country’s goal of increasing the share of electricity generated from renewable energy to 35% by 2030, AboitizPower plans to continuously invest in renewable energy assets to achieve a total generation capacity of 4,600 megawatts. Currently, the company has over 1,000 megawatts of generation capacity from announced projects that produce electricity from various energy sources within the country. The company continues to seek opportunities to expand its solar, hydro, geothermal, wind, and energy storage businesses. At present, AboitizPower and its partners have the largest share of renewable energy in the Philippines, based on the installed capacity under operation.
About REPCO NEX
REPCO NEX, a subsidiary of SCG Chemicals (SCGC), provides innovative, comprehensive solutions for industrial plants to enhance machinery performance management. The services cover a wide range of areas, from engineering, construction, and maintenance services to advanced predictive maintenance driven by cutting-edge technology and digital solutions. With over 40 years of experience in the petrochemical industry, REPCO NEX excels in developing products, services, and solutions to elevate the efficiency and sustainability of industrial plants across sectors such as petrochemicals, power and renewable energy, utilities, food and beverages, consumer goods, and general manufacturing. The goal is to ensure that businesses operate efficiently, sustainably, and in an environmentally friendly manner.