Japanese Technology to Strengthen Grid Resiliency in the Philippines

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is collaborating with Tokyo Electric Holding (TEPCO) for the pilot installation of smart grid technology in the Philippines. The system to be installed with this cooperation will improve energy safety, prevent interruptions and increase the assimilation of renewable energy. The pilot project is part of the "Cooperation Program for the Dissemination of Japanese Technology in Electricity Distribution System and Management in the Philippines," which was recently launched at a National Electrification Management (NEA) seminar. The project will enable the adoption among electricity companies of Japanese technology that improves the safety and resilience of the grid against natural disasters common in the Philippines. The pilot application of the aforementioned Japanese technology will be tested at the Batangas II Electrical Cooperative. The use of Japanese technologies will also help electricity companies improve grid integration of renewable energy sources in the country. Representatives from 92 electricity companies welcomed JICA's technical assistance. JICA Senior Representative Tetsuya Yamada said: "As one of the development partners of the Philippines, we recognize the vital role of supporting reliable energy supply in the development of Philippine investments and tackling the country's vulnerability. JICA's development cooperation activities will continue to share Japanese know-how in providing solutions to issues affecting Philippine's competitiveness and long-term development in the global arena." Data provided by the NEA shows that the SAIFI value, the system average downtime index for 2015, is 13.71 per year in the Philippines, while the system average downtime SAIDI is 18 hours. This means that the average electricity customer experiences 13.71 power outages per year, lasting a total of 18 hours. On the other hand, in Japan, the SAIFI and SAIDI values of the TEPCO electricity network are measured as 0.06 and 6 minutes, respectively. JICA in its statement; "Power outages disrupt economic activities and damage equipment and equipment," he noted.