Renewable energy developer Vena Energy has begun construction of two utility-scale solar projects in Ilocos Norte, reinforcing the province’s role as a key hub in the Philippines’ expanding renewable energy landscape.

The company marked dual groundbreaking ceremonies for the Astra Solar and Opus Solar projects May 5 and 6 in Currimao and Paoay, respectively. The projects have a combined capacity of around 380 megawatts-peak (MWp), bringing Vena Energy’s total solar portfolio in Ilocos Norte to approximately 480 MWp upon completion.

The developments come as the Philippines continues to scale up renewable energy capacity to meet its targets of 35% RE share by 2030 and 50% by 2040, amid rising demand and ongoing volatility in global fuel markets.

On May 5, Astra Solar Energy Corp. broke ground on the 80.6 MWp Astra Solar Power Project in Currimao, supported by a PHP 2.7-billion green project finance facility from Security Bank.

Once operational, the project is expected to generate about 142 GWh annually—enough to supply approximately 120,500 households. It is also projected to avoid around 95,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, equivalent to the carbon absorption of roughly 1.5 million trees.

On May 6, Opus Solar Energy Corp. held its groundbreaking ceremony for the 300 MWp Opus Solar Project in Paoay, spanning 190 hectares across Barangays Bacsil and Mumulaan.

The project is backed by a USD 210-million green loan from seven international financial institutions, making it the first fully non-recourse renewable energy project in the Philippines financed solely by foreign banks.

Once operational, Opus Solar is expected to generate electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of around 445,000 households and avoid approximately 349,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

The dual projects reflect accelerating investor confidence in Philippine utility-scale solar, particularly in Northern Luzon, where land availability and irradiation levels support large installations.

“We are proud to see how our investments continue to create local jobs, support community aspirations, and drive the Philippines’ energy transition forward,” Vena Group Chief Operating Officer Juan Mas Valor said.

“Opus Solar and Astra Solar demonstrate how strong cross-border and local collaboration can accelerate the transition to clean energy while upholding high standards of environmental and social governance,” he added.

The projects expand Vena Energy’s existing Ilocos Norte portfolio, which includes the 20 MW Mirae Asia Energy Corporation and 83.3 MW Nuevo Solar Energy Corp. facilities, with established contributions to employment, local revenues, and CSR programs.

The latest developments further underscore Ilocos Norte’s emergence as a major solar corridor in Northern Luzon, where developers continue to scale utility-grade projects supported by strong irradiation and available land.

With Ilocos Norte emerging as a major solar corridor, how should Philippine energy planning balance rapid private-sector expansion with transmission constraints and long-term grid stability?

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