The large-scale floating solar project of ACEN, the Ayala group’s energy platform, in Laguna de Bay may start delivering power into the Luzon grid by 2027.
This is according to documents filed at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’s Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).
ACEN, through its subsidiaries, has five floating solar projects spanning across Laguna de Bay, with a total investment of P47.89 billion and an aggregate maximum potential output of 1,120 megawatts (MW).
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AC Subic Solar and AC Laguna Solar are tasked to lead the construction of four blocks—with a total maximum capacity of 560 MW—located on waters off Victoria, Santa Cruz, and Pila in Laguna.
SolarACE4, meanwhile, is assigned to a floating solar project in Santa Cruz, rated with a maximum output of 140 MW.
These projects that the three ACEN subsidiaries are pushing are slated to start construction by the third quarter of 2025, with commercial operations eyed by the first quarter of 2027.
Also, Gigawind1 Inc. will focus on developing another project within a lake surface area that occupies 200 hectares in Kalayaan and Paete, also in Laguna.
With a peak capacity of 280 MW, Gigawind1’s project will begin construction by the second quarter of 2026 and slated for completion by the last quarter of 2027.
Further, ACEN’s Ingrid project has a maximum output of 140 MW and occupies a 100-hectare lake surface area in Lumban, Laguna. Construction works are scheduled to begin by early 2026 and finish by the third quarter of 2027.
In September 2023, the Board of Investments (BOI) granted “green lane” endorsement to these projects. Having this status promises expedited permit and license issuance.
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“The construction of the proposed project[s] will commence upon receipt of the environmental compliance certificate from the EMB-DENR and related permits from the concerned LGUs (local government units) and government agencies,” the companies said.
ACEN has a renewables portfolio with a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts. As it expands its renewables, the firm hopes to achieve 100-percent clean energy in its generation portfolio next year, and eventually hit 20,000 MW of capacity by 2030.
Aside from the Philippines, ACEN has renewable projects in Australia, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Laos and the United States.