Solar Philippines to put up massive Batangas solar project

MANILA, Philippines — Solar Philippines submitted a project description for scoping to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) for its Batangas 3 Solar Baseload Plant in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The company’s proposed project has a capacity of 2,000 megawatt-peak (MWp) photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant and 6,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) that will supply clean and renewable power.

It will also have a 600-MW diesel backup during the times when PV and BESS are not able to supply the required power.

Solar Philippines purchased and secured approximately 2,000 hectares in Nasugbu to build the massive project.

The project will be developed under Solar Philippines Biga Corp., which has secured Solar Service Energy Contract (SESC) 2017-05-384 from the Department of Energy (DOE).

“The project is expected to generate local employment during the construction and operations phase of the plant and aims to contribute to the stability of the country’s energy supply, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Solar Philippines said.

Based on its proposed timeline, the pre-construction phase of the project will be done this year. This phase includes securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and other required permits and clearances, as well as acquisition of right of way and right to use of land.

Construction is eyed to start in the fourth quarter of next year with project completion and commercial operations targeted in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Last December, Solar Philippines announced its plan to construct over one gigawatt (GW) of solar farms this year in Batangas, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac on the back of strengthened push for renewable energy in the country.

The 1 GW of solar projects are planned to create over 20,000 jobs during construction—which will last until 2022, and support government efforts to boost investments in the countryside.

To realize these projects, Solar Philippines said it is bringing in partners and professionals in line with its new strategic direction.

Currently, Solar Philippines has a total capacity of approximately 250 MW, among its projects in Calatagan, Batangas; Concepcion, Tarlac; and various rooftop projects.