AboitizPower Bolsters PH Renewable Energy Capacity

Amid tight energy supply conditions in the Philippines, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI), the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), has energized its latest solar power project, the 159-megawatt peak (MWp) Laoag Solar Power Plant in Aguilar, Pangasinan.

The 159 MWp Laoag Solar Power Plant in Aguilar, Pangasinan, has entered its second phase and began supplying vital electricity to the grid this weekend. | Photos: AboitizPower

This new facility comes at a critical time, helping to ease the strain on the country's grid and provide much-needed electricity.

Over the past weeks, the Philippines' main grids have experienced several yellow and red alerts due to forced outages of some power plants and increased power demand, exacerbated by rising temperatures.

Yellow alerts indicate a lack of operating margins to meet contingency requirements, while red alerts point to inadequate power supply to meet demand. The Laoag Solar Power Plant, which recently commenced exporting electricity to the grid, is part of AboitizPower's ongoing efforts to expand its renewable energy portfolio.

According to Aboitiz Renewables Inc. President Jimmy Villaroman, "Together with the 94 MWp Cayanga-Bugallon Solar Power facility—also built on sloping, non-agricultural land in Pangasinan and energized last October 2023—both solar projects will account for about 200 megawatts (MW) of total sellable capacity that will eventually contribute much-needed electricity to the grid."

By building on non-arable land, AboitizPower is not only boosting renewable energy capacity but also ensuring that valuable agricultural land remains available for farmers. This approach aligns with the company's commitment to sustainable development and supporting the local agricultural economy.

AboitizPower's renewable energy expansion doesn't end with solar.

Within the second quarter of this year, the 17 MW Tiwi Binary Geothermal Power Plant in Albay is set to come online, leveraging residual heat from the geothermal production process to produce additional electricity.

Additionally, the 24 MW Magat battery energy storage system (BESS), which began commercial operations in January 2024, provides crucial ancillary services to the Luzon grid.

Through ARI, AboitizPower's initial expansion phase covers 1,200 MW of new capacities, including solar, geothermal, and battery storage. The second phase will add another 1,700 MW of new solar and wind projects.

These expansions are part of AboitizPower's larger commitment to the Philippine government's goal of a 35% renewable energy share in the energy mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

AboitizPower's journey toward achieving 4,600 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 is a testament to its dedication to a sustainable future, supporting the nation's energy security, and contributing to the broader global effort to combat climate change.