Ayala's ACEN completes one of Australia's largest solar projects
Ayala-led energy firm ACEN Corp. announced its Stubbo Solar project in Australia is now fully operational, marking the fruition of one of its key renewable energy investments in the country.
In a statement, ACEN said the newly switched-on 520-megawatt direct current (MWdc) farm is one of Australia's largest solar developments and the first to be backed by a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA).
The LTESA is a government policy designed to encourage private investment in renewable energy by providing long-term revenue certainty.
Valued at A$760 million (about ₱28 billion), the Stubbo project was constructed ahead of the official creation of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, according to ACEN. It is expected to generate enough electricity to power 185,000 Australian households.
The site is also designed to accommodate a 200 MW battery energy storage system (BESS), which will help ensure a stable supply of clean power as the regional grid transitions toward decarbonization.
In a push for sustainability, ACEN also plans to reuse or recycle 930,000 of the solar panels once they reach the end of their operational life.
Jose Maria Zabaleta, executive chairman of ACEN Australia, said the facility highlights how “clear policy and strong partnerships can unlock large-scale renewable investments.”
David Pollington, managing director of ACEN Australia, noted the project’s operations begin “at a time when the energy market is evolving, costs are climbing, and delivery conditions are rapidly changing,” underscoring the importance of government-private partnerships.
ACEN Australia partnered with PCL Construction as its engineering, procurement, and construction contractor. Lumea, the commercial arm of Australia’s Transgrid, provided the connection to the New South Wales power network.
The company said it invested approximately A$85 million (about ₱3 billion)) into the region’s economy as part of the project.