ACEN Corp. said its Palauig Solar Farm in Zambales will be developed in phases beginning in the second half of 2027, clarifying that a large battery energy storage system planned for the project remains subject to a final investment decision.

In a disclosure with the Philippines Stock Exchange today, the Ayala-led renewable energy company addressed reports on the Palauig project, confirming that the solar facility will have a total planned capacity of 420 megawatt-peak (MWp), while also flagging an additional 347-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) that is not yet reflected in the reported solar capacity.

The company said the Palauig Solar Farm will be implemented in three phases with staggered commercial operation dates, with the earliest phase expected to come online in the second half of 2027 and the final phase targeted for completion by the second half of 2028.

ACEN also clarified that while the project includes a 347-MW BESS with a projected commercial operation date in the second half of 2027, “no final investment decision has yet been made” for the battery component. The company said it will disclose any material developments on the project as they arise.

Earlier reports cited regulatory filings indicating that the Palauig solar expansion would increase capacity from an earlier proposed 300 MWp to 420 MWp, alongside a larger project footprint and additional photovoltaic modules. 

How critical will large-scale batteries like Palauig’s proposed BESS be in supporting grid stability as solar capacity ramps up? Share your views.

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