A proposed 131.789-megawatt-peak (MWp) floating solar power project in Laguna has advanced to the environmental review stage, moving another utility-scale renewable energy development closer to construction as the Philippines expands its pipeline of floating solar projects.

The Cabuyao 1 Floating PV Power Plant (Block 2) is planned across 117.5 hectares in Barangays Bigaa and Butong in Cabuyao City. The project will deploy floating photovoltaic arrays with associated anchoring and mooring systems, submarine cables, offshore medium-voltage lines, and a plant substation to deliver electricity to the grid. 

Based on the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), construction is targeted to run from July 2026 through December 2027, with commercial operations planned to begin in January 2028. The facility is designed to operate for 25 years.

The development is among the largest floating solar projects planned for Laguna de Bay, where the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) has designated areas for renewable energy development under Board Resolution No. 600, Series of 2021. The resolution identified up to 2,000 hectares for renewable energy use, with an initial 1,000 hectares divided into 10 development blocks.

Project developer Nortesol II Corp., affiliated with SunAsia Energy, said the development is intended to expand renewable energy capacity while supporting the country’s long-term energy transition.

“The project aims to expand its renewable energy capacity, offering eco-friendly energy at a lower cost than fossil fuels. As the Philippines prepares to achieve an ambitious target of 46 GW of solar energy installations by 2040, there is a strong incentive to pursue floating solar projects, which can simultaneously bolster the country’s electricity supply,” according to the project’s rationale in the EIS document.

It added that the project “contributes to the PEP4, which supports the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge to triple renewable energy capacity to at least 11,000 by 2030 and to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements from 2% to over 4% every year until 2030.”

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) has scheduled a public hearing on Aug. 14 in Barangay Butong, Cabuyao City as part of its review of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement before any environmental compliance certificate is issued. 

Residents and local government officials are expected to participate in the consultation.  

What are your thoughts on the proposed 131.8-MWp floating solar project in Laguna? Share your insights on how floating solar can contribute to the Philippines’ energy transition. 

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