Historic Unification: Mindanao-Visayas Power Link Activated

After navigating through a maze of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and various legal impediments, the 450-megawatt Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP) has successfully commenced full commercial operations. This landmark development enables a unified transmission network, allowing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to share power seamlessly, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s energy sector.

The project’s inauguration was celebrated with simultaneous switch-on ceremonies in Manila, Cebu, and Lanao del Norte, symbolizing the integration of the three major island groups’ power grids. President Marcos, alongside Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and NGCP President Anthony Almeda, participated in the ceremonial launch, underlining the significance of this long-awaited infrastructure milestone.

The MVIP, hailed as a testament to decades of vision, planning, and construction, represents a significant leap in enhancing the robustness and reach of the Philippine power grid. Anthony Almeda, NGCP’s president and chief executive, emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “This milestone is the culmination of almost 40 years of vision, studies and surveys, and, finally, construction and energization of the MVIP under NGCP.”

Despite facing daunting challenges, including logistical hurdles due to the pandemic and judicial orders that stalled construction in certain locales, NGCP’s unwavering commitment led to the project’s realization. The P51.3-billion initiative, initially energized in April 2023, had been operating at partial capacity due to pending transmission projects crucial for its full functionality. Comprising a 184-circuit-kilometer high-voltage direct current submarine transmission line, the MVIP interconnects the Visayas and Mindanao grids and has the potential to expand its capacity to 900 MW.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla commended NGCP’s determination and resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles and partially alleviating power issues in the previous year. However, the Energy Regulatory Commission’s identification of 37 delayed transmission line projects, including the MVIP, highlights the challenges and expectations surrounding the nation’s power infrastructure development.

With the MVIP now in full swing, the initiative is poised to fortify the Philippines’ power grid, promising enhanced stability and a brighter future for the nation’s energy landscape.