Holcim turns to solar to help power 2 Luzon plants

Holcim Philippines is poised to become the first cement-maker in the country to turn its manufacturing hubs into solar farms with a combined generating capacity of 29 megawatts, covering part of its electricity requirements.

Holcim disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday the signing of a 20-year deal with Blueleaf Energy, a leading renewable energy company, to deliver solar power to its manufacturing plants in Norzagaray, Bulacan and Bacnotan, La Union, as part of its sustainability agenda.

Under the agreement, Blueleaf Energy will finance, build, operate and maintain solar energy facilities with a combined capacity of 29 MW and an annual generation of more than 50 gigawatt hours that will supply up to 15 percent of the energy requirements of the two Luzon plants by 2024.

The solar panels will be mounted on the grounds of the two manufacturing sites.

The partnership is projected to significantly slash the power costs and carbon footprint of the country’s leading cement-maker, marking its transition to sustainable and cleaner energy for cement production.

“Reducing the carbon footprint of our operations is one of our key sustainability commitments. This year, we have made great progress by stepping up production of blended cements and replacing coal with alternative fuels. Shifting to renewable solar energy will help us further improve as an environment steward and a partner in building progress in the country sustainably,” said Horia Adrian, president and CEO of Holcim Philippines.

Raghuram Natarajan, CEO of Blueleaf Energy, added: “We are pleased to continue to build our strong track record in delivering world-class clean energy solutions in the region and supporting large multinational companies like Holcim. With our credentials of developing and operating over 2 [GW] of projects, of which more than 250 MW [are] in the Philippines, this partnership also underscores our strong capability to support corporates in Asia in achieving their clean energy ambitions.”

As cement manufacturing is an energy-intensive activity, the shift to renewable power enables Holcim to conserve natural resources and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Holcim also has manufacturing operations in Batangas, Misamis Oriental and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions. It is a member of the Holcim Group, a global leader in the building materials industry with operations in 80 countries.

—Doris Dumlao-Abadilla