40-MW solar farm coming to Isabela by end-2025
MANILA, Philippines — The Yuchengco Group’s PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) has kicked off the construction of its 40-megawatt (MW) solar power project in Isabela province that will supply additional electricity to Luzon upon completion by end-2025.
In a disclosure on Tuesday, parent firm PetroEnergy Resources Corp. said PGEC’s subsidiary BKS Green Energy Corp. had started constructing the Limbauan Solar Power Project (LSPP) with a ceremonial installation of the first solar array.
BKS is a joint venture between PGEC, PetroEnergy’s renewable energy arm and Japanese firm TAISEI Corp.
“The LSPP is set to provide additional clean and renewable power to Luzon grid, aligning with the country’s energy resiliency and sustainability agenda,” the company said.
Energizing 33,000 households
The planned solar facility in San Pablo town, among the major energy projects classified by the government, is projected to generate around 59 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually.
Once completed, it can power about 33,000 households and avoid 31,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
The first phase of the Limbauan solar project will deliver 6 MW of electricity, connecting to the Isabela Electric Cooperative-II system, while the second phase covering 34 MW will linked to the 69-kilovolt Tuguegarao-Cabagan line of grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines through a 4.73-kilometer dedicated transmission facility.
“In addition to increasing energy supply, we anticipate employing around 500 to 600 workers at the height of construction, partnering with our host LGUs (local government units) for our corporate social responsibility and environment protection programs, and contributing to overall economic and social progress of the Cagayan Valley region,” said PGEC vice president for business development and commercial operations Maria Victoria Olivar.
The project will utilize 52,640 solar panels from solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer Trina Solar.
‘National significance’
The Department of Energy (DOE) issued a certificate of energy project of national significance (Cepns) to the Limbauan Solar Power Project in November 2024, indicating that this solar project has a significant impact on the country’s energy development.
Power projects holding such a certification receive priority processing and expedited approvals from permitting agencies and other government offices. They may apply for permits from multiple agencies simultaneously without waiting for sequential approvals.
Likewise, the second phase of the solar project is among the winning bidders of the DOE’s 2nd Green Energy Auction scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
“Thus, it is crucial that they receive all the necessary assistance, and I thank the LGUs and communities of Isabela for extending support to this project,” DOE director Marissa Cerezo said.
“The government needs more private investors, like PGEC and BKS, to invest in and develop renewable energy facilities because of our ever-growing demand for power,” she added.
BOI Executive Director Bobby Fondevilla said solar projects like this would drive economic growth and attract investments for the country, especially in rural areas.
“PGEC, with its various RE (renewable energy) facilities in the country, exemplifies how a private investor can help the government increase RE utilization in the country toward a more energy resilient Philippines,” he added.
