Razon-led East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. has secured a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Manila Electric Company's (Meralco) solar power firm to integrate sustainable energy into its facilities.

In a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 10, MSpectrum, Meralco's power unit, announced it would install Phase 2 of Manila Water's solar power project at 10 of its facilities, with installation beginning in the first quarter of next year.

With a capacity of 4.271 megawatts peak (MWp), the solar project is expected to provide 6.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually.

Once operational, the renewable energy will reduce Manila Water's grid demand by 200 kWh monthly, equivalent to the energy consumption of 2,600 households.

This project could also help mitigate 4,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

This partnership is part of Manila Water's efforts to achieve its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, aligning with its Energy Masterplan and outlook.

Jocot De Dios, president and chief executive officer of Manila Water, believes that integrating renewables into their operations will help them address their power needs.

"About two and a half years ago, we started trying to germinate the idea of having solar [energy] inside the fence because it's the responsible thing to do. It makes sense not just for the environment and sustainability, but because power is a very large component of our operating expenses," he said.

Manila Water has already begun installing Phase 1 solar power systems at the Cardona Treatment Plant, East La Mesa Treatment Plant, and the San Juan Compound, with a total capacity of 2.5 MWp.

"The estimated solar power generation of these installations is at 3.6 MkWh/year. These facilities will not only deload the power grid; they will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2,564 tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) annually," the company elaborated.