Philippines' first R&D and training facility on smart grid breaks ground in Meralco

Philippines' first R&D and training facility on smart grid breaks ground in
Meralco

Meralco recently held the ceremonial groundbreaking for Power Tech- the
Philippines' first innovation, research and development (R&D), and technical
training facility featuring the smart gridset-up.

Meralco's development of Power Tech is anchored on three objectives: 1)to
serve as a facility that will rapidly accelerate competency upgrade of both
Meralco engineers and other industry players; 2) to provide a test-bed for
Smart Grid and as a testing area for new equipment and devices; and, 3) to
drive innovation and R&D in the Philippine power industry through
partnerships with the academe, and private and government sector.

Housed within the Meralco Compound in Pasig City,Power Techis set to be a
2-storey, green architecture structure occupying a total floor area of more
than 3000 sqm.The structure will be operating withsolar and wind energy and
will also be utilizing natural lighting and ventilation. This will also
feature different state-of-the art facilities for its auditorium, training
laboratories, test areas and in its innovation center.

In his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony, Meralco Chairman Manny
Pangilinan highlighted Power Tech's vision, "This is indeed Meralco's
expression of commitment to innovation & technology. This gives us not only
a laboratory, but a living, practical experience for engineers, to see what
technology can do in respect to the power industry."

Power Tech is also poised to become a collaboration hub, with institutions
from government, private and the academe coming together to bring the
ambitious project to life.

According to Ramon Segismundo, Meralco SVP and Head of Human Resources &
Corporate Services, "We envision Power Tech to be a melting pot of
creativity and innovation, of exploration and discovery. All these can only
be possible if there is a free flow of ideas among different individuals
from various fields and expertise who can also provide new perspectives. So,
it is critical to inculcate a spirit of inclusiveness and foster a shared
sense of ownership by the industry and its major players."

Gracing the groundbreaking ceremony are Meralco officers, led by Chairman
Manny Pangilinan (in photo, 4th from right) and President Oscar Reyes (4th
from left); FVP and Head of Networks Ronnie Aperocho (3rd from right); and
SVP and Head of HR and Corporate Services Ramon Segismundo (second from
left). Together with them are officials from the government, academe and
private partners: (front row, L-R)Landis+GyrVice PresidentAbraham Ortega,
Meralco'sSegismundo, Miescor PresidentAngelitoBermudo, Meralco'sReyes, ERC
Commissioner Geronimo Sta. Ana, Department of Science & Technology
Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevera, Department of Energy Undersecretary
Wimpy Fuentebella, Meralco's Pangilinan, Meralco's Aperocho, Siemens
Philippines President & CEO Joseph JorelNuyda and IBM Philippines President
Luisito Pineda.

Gracing the groundbreaking ceremony are Meralco officers, led by Chairman
Manny Pangilinan (in photo, 4th from right) and President Oscar Reyes (4th
from left); FVP and Head of Networks Ronnie Aperocho (3rd from right); and
SVP and Head of HR and Corporate Services Ramon Segismundo (second from
left). Together with them are officials from the government, academe and
private partners: (front row, L-R)Landis+GyrVice PresidentAbraham Ortega,
Meralco'sSegismundo, Miescor PresidentAngelitoBermudo, Meralco'sReyes, ERC
Commissioner Geronimo Sta. Ana, Department of Science & Technology
Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevera, Department of Energy Undersecretary
Wimpy Fuentebella, Meralco's Pangilinan, Meralco's Aperocho, Siemens
Philippines President & CEO Joseph JorelNuyda and IBM Philippines President
Luisito Pineda.

"Meralco is working hard to make this vision a reality, as it has always
been a privilege for the company to be able to contribute to the development
and advancement of the power and energy ecosystem," Segismundo added.

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Link to Original Article:
http://newsbits.mb.com.ph/2016/11/14/philippines-first-rd-and-training-facil
ity-on-smart-grid-breaks-ground-in-meralco-3/

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com