Giga Ace 8, Inc., a subsidiary of ACEN Corporation, is aiming to expand its solar farm in Palauig, Zambales, by increasing its capacity from 346 megawatts-peak (MWp) to 420 MWp at an estimated cost of around Php 26 billion.
Business World reported that, in the firm’s submission to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Giga Ace 8 suggested expanding the solar farm’s capacity and land area under its existing environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
According to the company, the project will enlarge the solar farm’s coverage to 369.83 hectares from the current 275 hectares. Additionally, Giga Ace 8 selected Barangay Bulawen and Salaza as the project sites for their accessibility and high solar irradiance, ensuring optimal energy output.
The development will incorporate a battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of delivering up to 200 megawatts (MW) of output.
Giga Ace 8 said the solar farm aims to support sustainable development while addressing Luzon’s increasing power demand and supply shortfalls.
The BESS will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., or until fully discharged, storing surplus solar energy during the day and supplementing energy deficits when needed.
Meanwhile, during daylight hours, energy will primarily come from solar generation, with the BESS storing excess power, the company stated.
Giga Ace 8 emphasized that both the current and proposed expansion areas are not in protected zones or historical sites.
The company is currently completing feasibility studies, permitting, licensing, and detailed engineering for the additional area.
Construction under the existing ECC is underway and expected to finish by the first quarter of 2026, while commercial operations for the existing components are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
Concurrently, the construction of the expanded area will start in early 2026 and continue until the third quarter of 2030, with commercial operations set for the fourth quarter of that year.
