Professional services firm GHD has been appointed as Owner’s Engineer for the 440-megawatt-peak (MWp) Ilagan Solar Project in Isabela being undertaken by TotalEnergies in partnership with Nextnorth.

The project,  a utility-scale development that is expected to rank among the largest solar power projects in the Philippines, is being developed by San Ignacio Energy Resources Development Corp. (SIERDC) on a 330-hectare site in Ilagan City.  

Once completed, the solar facility will add significant renewable energy capacity to the Luzon grid and support the Philippines’ target of increasing the share of renewables in the power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2050.

Under its appointment, GHD will provide project management and technical services covering engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning. Its scope includes design reviews, quality assurance oversight, construction supervision, commissioning support, and health, safety, security, social, and environmental supervision.

The project site’s rolling terrain presents engineering challenges that will influence panel layout, shading analysis, and construction methods.

“This project brings together GHD’s global technical capability and local understanding in support of the Philippines’ renewable energy transition. Working alongside SIERDC, we look forward to collaborating with our partners to deliver this significant solar development to life,” GHD APAC Energy Leader Sheldon Krahe said in an official release.

SIERDC president Miguel Mapa said the appointment reflects the developer’s emphasis on meeting international standards.

“The 440 MWp Ilagan, Isabela Solar Project represents one of the most significant renewable energy investments undertaken in Northern Luzon. Appointing GHD as Owner’s Engineer demonstrates our commitment to deliver a project that meets the highest global standards at every stage through to completion,” he said.

The Ilagan Solar Project adds to the growing pipeline of large-scale solar developments in the country as developers accelerate projects to meet rising electricity demand and the government’s clean energy goals.

What impact could projects of this scale have on power prices, grid reliability, and the pace of renewable energy deployment in the Philippines?

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