P2.37-B solar park to boost Iloilo power supply
Department of Energy (DOE). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Construction of a P2.37-billion solar park in Iloilo has begun, the Department of Energy (DOE) said. It is one of the projects that emerged winners under the government’s Green Energy Auction 2.
In a statement, the DOE said a groundbreaking ceremony was conducted on Friday for the 62-megawatt (MW) Ajuy-1 Solar Power project.
To be built by Jin Navitas Solaris, the project is considered as the province’s first major ground-mounted solar facility. It would be linked to the Panay Island power grid.
“The project is also anticipated to improve grid stability in northern Iloilo, helping address peak demand and enhancing power reliability across the region,” the DOE said.
READ: Going solar: The limitless power of the sun
Last January, the company signed the engineering, procurement and construction contract with Northeast No. 1 Electric Power Construction Co. Ltd. (NEPC). The contractor a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group.
Solaris earlier said the solar project could power more than 25,000 households annually.
New kid in solar town
Considered a fresh entrant in the local renewable energy sector, the group is eyeing to grow its portfolio to 1,000 MW in the next five years.
Solaris is the solar energy company of the Joy~Nostalg Group. The parent firm is engaged in property development, hospitality and culinary and leasing.
READ: Construction of P1.5-B Batangas solar project begins
It is also an affiliate company of Palm Concepcion Power Corp. (PCPC), focused on renewable energy developments. PCPC operates the 135-megawatt coal-fired power plant on Panay Island.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the Iloilo solar project was “a significant step” in the country’s efforts to cut its carbon footprint and strengthen the renewable energy market.
The Marcos administration wants renewable energy’s share in the electricity generation mix to increase to 35 percent by 2030. Currently, this is pegged at 22 percent.
/rwd
