Citicore Power’s solar plants OKd

Citicore Power Inc. (CPI) said the industry regulator has given the green light to two solar power facilities of its subsidiaries operating in Bataan and Cebu.

The renewable energy firm said in a statement the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued respective certificates of compliance (COC) to New Generation Power Technology Corp. (NGPTC) for its 18-megawatt (MW) plant in Bataan, and to First Toledo Solar Energy Corp. (FTSEC) for its 60-MW plant in Cebu.

The COCs meant that both subsidiaries were complying with all the necessary permits and requirements to operate their power generation facilities, CPI said.

“These COCs enable our two solar plants in Bataan and Cebu to generate electricity… in line with one of our goals to become a compliant company that cares for the environment,” CPI executive vice president Manolo T. Candelaria said.

NGPTC owns and operates a solar power plant located within the freeport area of Bataan in Mariveles, while FTSEC owns and operates another in Toledo City.

According to CPI, the Mariveles facility alone is expected to power 22,000 homes connected to the Luzon grid.

CPI also said the Bataan plant is expected to help avoid 13,000 metric tons of carbon emissions per year, equivalent to the effect of planting 600,000 trees.

The company is currently working to secure the COC of its third solar plant located in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Rio Q. Balaba, CPI energy regulations manager, said the company was positioning itself as a producer of “the most cost-efficient clean energy, promoting inclusive growth and creating opportunities in the communities where we operate.”