Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI) has inaugurated its 92.55-megawatt peak (MWp) San Manuel Solar Power Plant in Pangasinan, adding new renewable energy capacity to the Luzon grid as the Philippines ramps up efforts to expand clean energy generation.

The facility, located in San Manuel, Pangasinan, supplies electricity directly to the Luzon grid through the San Manuel 69-kilovolt substation. The project was developed in coordination with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, local government units, and host communities.

The inauguration on June 30 was attended by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark DG. Lambino, San Manuel Mayor Kenneth Marco S. Perez, San Manuel Vice Mayor Alain Jerico S. Perez, Binalonan Vice Mayor Bryan Louie Ramirez Balangue, and AboitizPower officials.

“Every panel on this 92.5-megawatt solar plant is a promise kept — to the families who deserve stable, affordable electricity; to the workers who built something lasting right here in their own community; and to the next generation who will inherit the energy choices we make today,” Garin said.

The San Manuel facility is Aboitiz Renewables’ third solar project in Pangasinan, joining the 154-MWp Laoag 1 and 2 Solar Power Plants and the 94-MWp Cayanga-Bugallon Solar Power Plant.

AboitizPower President and Chief Executive Officer Danel Aboitiz said the project supports the country’s growing electricity requirements while strengthening energy security.

“As demand for electricity continues to grow, power generation investments like San Manuel help strengthen our energy system, diversify our energy mix, and support the Philippines’ long-term energy security,” he said.

He added that the company has expanded its attributable net sellable renewable energy capacity from around 900 MW in 2020 to 2.3 gigawatts today.

According to Aboitiz Renewables, its portfolio now comprises 45 renewable energy facilities nationwide covering solar, hydro, geothermal, and energy storage technologies. The company also has a development pipeline of more than 1,800 MW of solar, hydro, and wind projects.

“We thank Secretary Garin and DOE for their leadership on the energy transition and for the policy environment that makes projects like this possible,” Aboitiz Renewables President Jimmy A. Villaroman said.

“We also thank Governor ‘Mon-Mon’ Guico, Mayor Kenneth Perez, and our local government partners, as their openness and support are what allow renewable energy development to move at the pace our country needs,” he added.

Will continued utility-scale solar developments like San Manuel significantly strengthen the Philippines’ energy security while helping meet its renewable energy targets? Share your insights in the comments.

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more news and updates  on the Philippine energy sector.