Clark Water, a subsidiary of Manila Water Philippine Ventures, is ramping up its efforts to combat rising energy costs and reduce its carbon footprint by expanding its solar power infrastructure.

In a statement, Lyn Zamora, Clark Water’s general manager, said the water and wastewater service provider of the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) has invested in two new solar power facilities with a total capacity of 71 kilowatts.

These new installations include a 19-kilowatt system at the Yakal Warehouse located within its office compound, as well as a larger 52-kilowatt installation at Pumping Station 1.

Zamora said that Pumping Station 1’s solar power facility would enhance the efficiency of one of Clark Water’s primary water treatment facilities in the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ).

“These additions are anticipated to generate annual savings of around P0.2 million,” Zamora said.

In 2019, Clark Water first entered the sustainable energy sector by setting up a 23-kilowatt solar panel at its wastewater treatment facility, which led to cost reductions of around P0.5 million starting from the beginning.

“Currently, we obtain from the solar power facility around five percent of the total power requirement of the Pumping Station 1 and we get around P40,000-50,000 savings on power cost monthly,” Zamora said.

“Through this initiative, we also hope to reduce our carbon footprint, which is also part of our sustainability goals in the Company, and I know this is also part of the advocacy of the Clark Development Corporation,” she added.

According to Manila Water Co. Inc., energy efficiency is a top priority initiative throughout its business units in both the East Zone and Non-East Zone.

“Every business unit has designated energy managers and conservation officers who regularly inspect and assess energy usage to find ways to decrease consumption and encourage efficiency within the facilities,” Manila Water said.

“They follow the ISO 50001 Energy Management standards and strictly comply with Republic Act No. 11285, also known as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act,” it added.

In 2023, Manila Water’s current solar facilities and acquisition of renewable energy collectively provided 6.1 million kilowatt hours of clean energy for its electricity usage, reducing 4,126 tons of CO2e and contributing to greenhouse gas reduction.