Ilocos Norte is set to host another large-scale renewable energy development after sealing a lease agreement with Alba Renewables Philippines Corp. for the construction of a hybrid power project in Bangui and Burgos towns.

The project will utilize around 100 hectares of the government-owned Dungon-Dungon Estate, a 256.88-hectare lot that has long been underutilized. The property was identified by the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Office (INvest Office) as suitable for renewable energy investment and was matched with an interested developer following feasibility reviews.

INvest Office head Ronaleigh Bueno confirmed that a ceremonial contract signing is scheduled for September 8, in a report by the Philippine News Agency. “The project is expected to create jobs, provide training for local residents, generate lease revenues for the provincial government, and extend assistance to host Barangays,” she said.

Planned as the first hybrid plant in the province, the facility will combine wind and solar generation with a battery energy storage system. It will harness the favorable natural conditions of Bangui and Burgos, which are already home to operational wind and solar farms.

Bueno noted that the project will further strengthen Ilocos Norte’s branding as the country’s renewable energy capital, citing the province’s established portfolio of clean energy initiatives.

The provincial board recently approved special incentives to attract more investors to priority industries, including renewable energy. These measures allow developers to lease underutilized government land for up to five years, supporting industries such as food and agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, IT-BPM, and energy.

Do you think more provinces should adopt Ilocos Norte’s model of leasing idle government land for renewable energy projects?

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