FDC Green Energy Corporation, a subsidiary of FDC Utilities, Inc. (FDCUI) of Gotianun-led Filinvest Development Corp., is poised to advance to construction phase its 20.75-megawatt solar farm project following groundbreaking rites at its PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate project site in Misamis Oriental .

The company said this will serve as a symbolic major step on its shift away from fossil fuel technologies, which had been the Filinvest group’s initial foray in the energy sector when it helped solve the power crisis in Mindanao roughly 10 years ago.

FDC Green President and CEO Juan Eugenio L. Roxas noted “this significant milestone marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward achieving a balanced energy portfolio for the Filinvest Group.”

Targeted off-takers on the solar farm’s generated electricity could include corporates that have been taking serious initiatives on their sustainability as well as net zero goals in the decarbonization pathway.

FDC Green expounded “this project sets the stage for future developments in line with the company's dedication to a greener and more sustainable future.”

The blueprinted solar farm venture, which is underpinned by a 25-year service contract awarded by the Department of Energy (DOE), will be equipped with 34,000 monocrystalline solar panels.

Upon the facility’s commercial operations, the scale of generation could reach 30,450 megawatt hours (MWh) annually; and this would also shore up power supply availability in the Mindanao grid, especially during the summer months.

And on the robust economic growth forecast for the region, sponsor-firm FDC Green indicated that the solar project will support “the expected 5.5% annual peak demand growth projected by the DOE until 2030.”

At their chosen project site, the Filinvest energy firm specified that “the flat terrain, high solar yield, and proximity to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines substation make this location ideal for large-scale renewable energy development.”

It added “beyond its technical advantages, PHIVIDEC represents a unique opportunity to establish RE hub in Mindanao,” adding that such development track “can further attract potential businesses that are conscious of their need for clean energy sources.”

At construction stage, the solar venture is expected to generate more than 200 jobs; with some getting longer employment opportunities also during the facility’s commercial operations phase; while at the same time providing new economic opportunities and other benefits to the host communities.