Spectrum to install solar system at Ajinomoto facility

By MYRNA M. VELASCO

Spectrum, a subsidiary of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has been tapped as a partner for the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system of 1,015.56-kilowatt peak (kWp) capacity that will cater to the electricity requirements of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation, a Japanese company that is into biotechnology and food seasoning business.

The solar installation will be at the Japanese firm’s manufacturing facility in Guiguinto, Bulacan. The system could generate roughly 1,331,500 kilowatt-hours of energy per annum upon its completion.

By shifting to solar PV technology for its energy needs, the Japanese multinational firm is expected to be generating cost savings of about P700,000 on an annual basis; apart from the tangible benefits that it could gain on lowering its carbon footprints.

The partnership deal between Spectrum and Ajinomoto was inked on February 3 this year, and this is reckoned by the Japanese firm as a “sustainability initiative that is expected to help APC Group achieve its goal to reduce its environmental impact by 50% while improving its business operations.”

According to Spectrum President and CEO Ferdinand Geluz, “this project is a symbol of our shared focus on sustainability, and one of our goals of reducing our reliance to non-renewable energy sources to ensure a more sustainable and brighter future,” with him emphasizing that this will be Ajinomoto’s first solar project in the Philippines.

For his part, APC President Tsutomo Nara said their company considers this venture “a good investment in establishing a win-win solution as both our company and the Filipino society would benefit greatly for this endeavor.”

He added that “this is only the beginning of more developments in this area as we continue to expand our sustainability efforts.”

As emphasized by Spectrum, the Japanese company “will be able to reduce its carbon footprint by an estimated 865 metric tons,” and that will be equivalent to planting 1,950,523 trees or tantamount to a reduction of 2,352,456 miles in vehicle travel per year.

“This project enables APC Group to contribute to parent company Ajinomoto Company Inc.’s sustainability targets by utilizing solar power,” the Meralco subsidiary-firm stated.

Spectrum is a renewable energy solutions provider; and it is into offering tailor-fit solutions to commercial and industrial (C&I) end-users; as well as residential customers that have been opting to shift or source their power needs from green energy sources.