8 solar projects get DoE go-ahead

Only eight solar power projects, which will generate a combined 191 megawatts, were awarded renewable energy service contracts as of end-December 2011, according to data from the Department of Energy (DoE).

The agency awarded last December 16 five renewable energy service contracts to four companies, including Enfinity Philippines Renewable Resources Inc., the local unit of Belgian firm Enfinity, for its 50-MW Clark Freeport Zone solar power project in Mabalacat, Pampanga, and the 30-MW Cavite Export Zone solar power project in Rosario, Cavite.

Also granted service contracts were Energy Logics Philippines Inc. of the Delgado group, for its 50-MW solar project in Pasuquin and Burgos, Ilocos Norte; Youil Renewable Energy Corp., for the 30-MW E.B. Magalona solar power project in Negros Occidental; and PhilNewEnergy Inc. for its Darong solar project in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

The other solar power service contracts were approved during the first half of 2011. These were awarded to ATN Philippines Solar Energy Group Inc., for its 30-MW Rodriguez solar power project in Rodriguez, Rizal; and J.S. Construction and Development Inc., for its “own-use” 0.08-MW Taytay solar project, also in Rizal.

As of the end of last year, there were 26 pending applications for solar power projects, which can generate a combined generate 123 MW.