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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Mindanao plugs in first utility-scale solar power plant

Mindanao plugs in first utility-scale solar power plant

Published Jul 23, 2026 03:27 pm
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin (third from left) leads the official commissioning of the 60-MWac Tantangan solar facility in South Cotabato on Thursday, July 23. Developed by Apolaki Seven Inc. and German firm ib vogt GmbH, the project marks the energization of Mindanao’s first utility-scale, ground-mounted solar power plant. (Photo by Gabriell Christel Galang)
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin (third from left) leads the official commissioning of the 60-MWac Tantangan solar facility in South Cotabato on Thursday, July 23. Developed by Apolaki Seven Inc. and German firm ib vogt GmbH, the project marks the energization of Mindanao’s first utility-scale, ground-mounted solar power plant. (Photo by Gabriell Christel Galang)
SOUTH COTABATO — Renewable energy developer Apolaki Seven Inc. and its German parent company ib vogt GmbH have energized the first phase of Mindanao’s first utility-scale, ground-mounted solar power facility, marking a critical milestone in the Philippines’ push to strengthen regional energy security.
The 60-megawatt alternating current (MWac) Tantangan solar facility in South Cotabato was officially brought online on Thursday, July 23. The project is scheduled to reach its full peak capacity of 99 megawatts peak (MWp) once its second phase is completed by October, according to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.
The expansion plan also includes integrating a four-megawatt battery energy storage system during the upcoming construction phase to help stabilize power delivery to the local grid.
At full scale, the solar facility is projected to generate over 160 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, supplying power to roughly 68,000 Filipino homes while displacing an estimated 114,000 metric tons of carbon emissions each year.
“By bringing utility-scale solar generation to Mindanao, this plant strengthens the reliability and diversity of the island's power supply,” Garin said during the commissioning ceremony. “Amid the Middle East conflict, we are on a mission to reduce the Philippines' dependence on imported sources and generate our own electricity.”
The commercial startup was achieved well ahead of schedule despite initial technical hurdles and grid connection delays, according to Isabelle Melocoton, marketing director for ib vogt Philippines. The facility had originally been target date for completion in December 2026.
The project secured its capacity off-take through competitive government procurement. Phase one was awarded under the second round of the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction (GEA-2), while phase two was secured under GEA-4.
The successful rollout is spurring broader commercial interest in Mindanao's renewable energy landscape from both domestic and foreign investors, particularly firms based in Indonesia and the Middle East.
To sustain this momentum, the Department of Energy plans to issue terms of reference later this year for dedicated auctions covering rooftop, ground-mounted, and floating solar technologies across Mindanao.

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Department of Energy (DOE) Mindanao
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