AbaCore, PNOC partner to explore wind power in Batangas
AbaCore Capital Holdings, Inc. (ABA) is exploring potential wind energy projects in Batangas after its subsidiary signed an agreement with the state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC).
AbaCore’s subsidiary, Simlong Energy Development Corp. (SEDC), announced on Tuesday, Sept. 16, that it has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with PNOC to assess the feasibility of a wind project on SEDC’s 142-hectare property.
The partnership will allow the companies to collaborate on securing necessary certificates and service contracts for the designated area of interest. PNOC will lead a 15-month wind resource study. After the study is complete, the two parties will determine if a special purpose vehicle is needed to develop and operate the wind power project, along with other potential energy ventures.
Antonio Gregorio III, chairman of ABA and SEDC, said the partnership will boost Batangas’ business landscape.
”There is understandable excitement about potential scale, but final capacity will follow the science,” Gregorio stated. “That is the discipline embodied in this MOA: measure first, then build.”
“We will build responsibly, work closely with our communities, and follow Philippine laws and established best practices at every step,” he added.
ABA, which has interests in real estate, finance, and mineral resources, aims to grow its asset base and enhance shareholder value by launching a coal-mining project through its subsidiary, Abacoal Development.
In 2024, the company reported a net income of ₱2.6 billion, an eight percent increase from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by the appreciation of assets within its land bank.
The Department of Energy (DOE) recently completed the fourth Green Energy Auction (GEA-4), which included multiple onshore wind capacities.
According to the DOE, it has bid out 9,423 megawatts (MW) of the targeted 10,653 MW capacity. The remaining capacity will be offered to other bidders.