Manila Water, MSpectrum seal power deal on using solar energy

Manila Water enters a power purchase agreement with MSpectrum, which involves the installation of solar power systems at 10 Manila Water facilities. This move to add more solar power to the company’s energy mix is projected to mitigate around 4,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, highlighting Manila Water’s commitment to sustainable and renewable energy.

MANILA, Philippines — In pursuit of a more sustainable energy consumption program, Manila Water signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with solar power company MSpectrum at Manila Water’s Main Office in Balara, Quezon City, last December 4.

The PPA — which involves MSpectrum installing the Phase 2 solar power project of Manila Water at 10 facilities — is part of the water company’s efforts to meet its Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and to align with its Energy Masterplan and Outlook. MSpectrum’s construction of the solar power facilities will start in the first quarter of 2025.

The 4.271-megawatt power (MWp) solar project is expected to generate 6.2 million kilowatt-hours (MkWh) annually. These renewable power systems will effectively reduce Manila Water’s grid demand to the equivalent consumption of 2,600 households (at 200 kilowatt-hours per month).

Signing the agreement were Manila Water President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jocot de Dios, Manila Water East Zone Chief Operating Officer (COO) Arnold Mortera, MSpectrum President and CEO Cecilia Domingo, and MSpectrum Chief Operating Officer Patrick Panlilio.

“About two and a half years ago, we started trying to germinate the idea of having solar [energy] inside the fence because it’s the responsible thing to do. It makes sense not just for the environment and sustainability, but because power is a very large component of our operating expenses,” Manila Water President and CEO Jocot de Dios said during the signing ceremony.

This move to add more solar power to the company’s energy mix is projected to mitigate around 4,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, highlighting Manila Water’s commitment to sustainable and renewable energy.

Earlier this year, Manila Water started the installation of Phase 1 solar power systems at three facilities: the Cardona Treatment Plant, East La Mesa Treatment Plant, and the San Juan Compound. With a total capacity of 2.5 MWp, the estimated solar power generation of these installations is at 3.6 MkWh/year. These facilities will not only deload the power grid; they will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2,564 tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) annually.

A member of the Meralco Group, MSpectrum is a renewable energy company in the Philippines that provides market-leading solar solutions to partner organizations.