ACEN eyes 1.2-GW of additional capacity in 2025


Ayala-led ACEN Corporation has set a target of adding 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of operational capacity by 2025.

In a briefing on Monday, Dec. 16, Eric Francia, ACEN president and chief executive officer, stated that the company is on track with its pipeline projects, which are set to come online next year.

"We're now at 6.8 GW. That's operating, under construction, and committed (board approved)," he told reporters.

According to ACEN, 45 percent of this capacity is currently operational, with 34 percent under construction.

"If you look at projects like Stubbo Solar, that's 520 MW. I think later in the year, Palauig 2, that's around 300 MW—[would finish by] the second half. Those are the two large projects," Francia elaborated.

Stubbo Solar, located in New South Wales, Australia, spans 1,250 hectares and is projected to power around 185,000 households.

Another renewable asset, ACEN's 146 MW Monsoon Wind project, is also slated to begin operations by 2025.

This wind project is a joint venture between ACEN and BCPG Public Company Limited, Impact Electrons Siam Limited, Mitsubishi Corporation, SMP Consultation, and STP&I Public Company Limited.

Located in Laos, this project will be the first cross-border wind project in Southeast Asia, exporting power to Vietnam and energizing an estimated 298,100 homes.

Other projects in the pipeline include Pangasinan Solar, Pagudpud Wind, Capa Wind, Stockyard Wind in the United States, and a Hybrid Solar project in India.

ACEN receives DOE recognition

While anticipating further portfolio growth, ACEN was also awarded by the Department of Energy (DOE) for its North Luzon Renewables wind project.

The 81-megawatt (MW) wind project in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, received recognition in the Renewable Energy (RE) Projects in On-Grid Areas category during the DOE's Sustainable Energy Awards 2024.

According to ACEN, this 205,000 megawatt-hour (MWh) RE project has powered around 50,000 households and reduced carbon emissions by 144,000 metric tons annually.

"Beyond compliance, the North Luzon Renewables wind project has demonstrated how renewable energy can create positive environmental and social impacts for host communities," ACEN stated.

"This recognition is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of NLR's operations. The success of NLR reflects ACEN's unwavering commitment to sustainability and our vision of a renewable energy-powered future," Francia shared.

Irene Maranan, Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Communications, and representatives from project partner Mitsubishi Corp. received the award alongside Francia last week.

The North Luzon Renewables project also includes a 700-hectare conservation estate with initiatives such as reforestation, agroforestry, biodiversity protection, and circularity programs.