Mindanao-based real estate developerA Brown Company Inc. (ABCI) has secured a key regulatory milestone for its planned solar development in Bukidnon after the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Certificate of Authority (COA) for the planned 180 megawatt (MW) Manolo Fortich Solar Power Project.

In a disclosure today, the publicly listed Mindanao-based company said its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Manolo Fortich Power Corp. (MFPC), received notice on June 26 that the DOE had issued the COA, granting MFPC the exclusive authority to secure permits and clearances needed for the exploration and assessment of the proposed solar project from government agencies, local government units, and other relevant entities.

The authority also covers reconnaissance work and other activities required for feasibility studies within the project site, which spans 202.38 hectares in the municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

MFPC is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ABCI through ABC Energy Inc. (ABCEI), the listed firm’s renewable energy arm. The Manolo Fortich Solar Power Project is planned to have a capacity of 180 megawatts, according to ABCEI’s website, making it one of the company’s largest proposed renewable energy developments.

The COA will remain valid for one year from its issuance, during which MFPC is expected to undertake the pre-development activities necessary to advance the project toward a formal Solar Energy Operating Contract (SEOC) with the DOE.

“The Manolo Fortich Solar Power Project is part of ABCI’s broader renewable energy development strategy through ABCEI,” the company said.

Over the past year, the company has exited its remaining coal investment to redeploy capital into clean energy projects, and committed PHP 2.4 billion for a 40% stake in Alternergy‘s 128-megawatt Tanay and 64-MW Alabat wind projects, both of which are under construction and targeted for completion this year. 

The company also recently secured regulatory approval for a planned bond program, with part of the proceeds earmarked for renewable energy investments.

What are your thoughts on A Brown’s latest renewable energy development? Join the discussion and share how projects like this could shape the country’s growing solar pipeline.

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