THE groundbreaking for the 62-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Ajuy town, Iloilo province with Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. (Contributed photo by Raul Banias)
ILOILO CITY — The construction of a 62-megawatt (MW) solar power plant is underway in northern Iloilo province.
Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin joined executives of Jin Navitas Solaris Inc. (SOLARIS) led by Jainto Ng Jr. during the July 11 groundbreaking of Iloilo’s first major ground-mounted solar power plant in Ajuy town.
“This initiative not only marks a significant step in reducing our carbon footprint, but also empowers local communities by providing them with reliable and renewable energy resources,” said the Ilongga Garin.
“My first official activity. Very fitting as it was in my home province of Iloilo,” Garin said.
Once finished, the 47.86-hectare solar power plant in Barangay Tipacla is projected to generate 94.32 gigawatt hours of clean and renewable energy annually and provide electricity to 25,000 households.
This is another SOLARIS project in Iloilo.
Its affiliate Palm Concepcion Power Corp. (PCPC) is the operator of the 135-megawatt coal-fired power plant in neighboring Concepcion town.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said the solar power plant aligns with the Iloilo Provincial Renewable Energy Plan (I-PREP).
Iloilo became the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to pass local legislation as counterpart of the Renewable Energy Act.
Authored by Board Member Rolly Distura, the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance of Renewable Energy Ordinance (I-PORE) aims to develop and utilize clean energy as part of a climate-resilient province.