The Board of Investments (BOI) has awarded a Green Lane Certificate of Endorsement to Citadel Energy Corporation’s (CEC) PHP6-billion, 180-megawatt peak (MWp) solar power project in San Vicente, Camarines Norte.

CEC, a subsidiary of Zenith Renewable Energy Corporation (ZREC), is developing the facility, which will be among the largest solar power projects in the entire Bicol Region. Once completed, it is expected to significantly contribute to the Philippines’ energy security and sustainability goals.

The project is the latest to benefit from the Green Lane Program under Executive Order No. 18. The program facilitates expedited approval for strategic, high-impact projects by streamlining inter-agency processes and reducing bureaucratic delays.

This marks ZREC’s second Green Lane endorsement following the 49.9 MW Mabini Solar Power Plant in Pangasinan, which was granted certification in December 2023 and is slated to begin operations in 2026. The company also participated in the Financing for Development (FFD4) conference in Seville, Spain, in June 2025. It is where it showcased the 50 MWac Libmanan Solar Energy Project as part of the country’s portfolio of investment-ready clean energy ventures.

The awarding ceremony took place on August 11, 2025, at Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City. It was attended by BOI Governor Marjorie O. Ramos-Samaniego, Investments Assistance Center Executive Director Bobby G. Fondevilla, Investments Assistance Service Director Ernesto C. De Los Reyes, Jr., International Investments Promotion Service Director Lanie O. Dormiendo, and IAS Division Chief Lubin R. De Vera, Jr.

Also present were ZREC Chief Executive Officer Aris Z. Tulalian, investment partners Wang Jiang Nan and Ma Jia Jing from TrinaSolar International System Business Unit, and representatives from the local government of Camarines Norte. These included Provincial Administrator Don Padilla, San Vicente Vice Mayor Stanley Alegre, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Acting Vice Governor Dennis L. Riel.

The BOI emphasized that it will continue collaborating with the private sector, local governments, and international partners to push for strategic and sustainable investments that advance national development priorities and long-term climate goals.

What renewable energy projects do you think should be prioritized to strengthen the Philippines’ clean energy transition?

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Photo Credit: BOI Website