Merbau Corp’s roof-mounted solar panel installation at the JG Summit Petrochemical Complex in Batangas City – Contributed photo
MANILA -The renewable energy unit of Gokongwei-led conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc. has completed its 13.81-megawatt (MW) solar rooftop project in Batangas province that would help lower the company’s carbon emissions and reduce power consumption in its integrated petrochemical complex.
Merbau Corp.’s solar rooftop project is expected to meet “a significant portion” of the energy requirements of the petrochemical complex in Barangays Simlong and Pinamucan Ibaba in Batangas City.
This facility houses JG Summit Olefins Corp.’s manufacturing plants and the packaging division of Universal Robina Corp. (URC).
According to JG Summit, the solar rooftop system is projected to generate an estimated energy savings of 17.8 gigawatt-hours annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the warehouses and building offices by 17,000 tons.
Construction for the project, which covered the rooftops of nine buildings, began in August 2022.
The first phase had a capacity of 5.8 MW and was completed in December, while the second phase with an 8-MW capacity was finished in April this year.
Merbau president and chief executive Patrick Henry Go explained that his company was looking into “a portfolio of projects“ with Robinsons Land Corp., URC, Cebu Pacific, and other companies within the Gokongwei Group, but he did not divulge additional details.
“This milestone marks a significant step in our journey as we aim to become a leading renewable energy company in the country … We also plan to expand our [renewable energy] portfolio to be able to deliver power to eligible end-users outside of the group in our commitment to solidify our dedication to sustainable and innovative energy solutions,” Go added.