Negros Occidental solar project qualifies for incentives

Zabaleta-led, European-funded San Carlos Solar Energy (Sacasol) is the first renewable energy developer to qualify for incentives via guaranteed energy rates under the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) system, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

ERC certificates indicate that Sacasol’s 13-megawatt (MW) Phase 1A and 9-MW Phase 1B plants in Negros Occidental are respectively “entitled to the Feed-in-Tariff rate of P9.68, subject to adjustment as may be approved by the Commission, from 15 May 2014 to until 14 May 2034.”

The certificates were issued on Feb. 16, 2015.

The issuance marks the beginning of Sacasol’s Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement (Repa) and its eligibility for incentives under the FIT system.

The other FIT applicants using biomass, wind, and hydro energy sources await their COCs, which should be issued in the coming months, ERC Commissioner Alfredo Non said on the sidelines of an energy forum.

Sacasol Phase IA and IB began their commercial operation in May and August 2014, respectively.

Since the commissioning of its renewable energy plant in May 2014, SaCaSol has received significant accolades from the industry. Named Green Company of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards for 2014 and Solar Power Project of the Year at the Asian Power Awards 2014, Sacasol has paved the way for solar energy development in the Philippines.

“An expansion of the solar park is currently underway in San Carlos, scheduled to bring the total capacity to 45 MW by the end of 2015. Furthermore, SaCaSol II (32 MW) and III (33 MW) are also under construction in Negros to help meet the country’s target of 500 MW of solar power by 2016,” said president Sech Zabaleta.

In addition, two other sites have been selected for installations totaling 80 MW, bringing BP’s solar portfolio to 190 MW. Riza T. Olchondra