Panay Island’s 62-megawatt peak Ajuy-1 Solar Power Project has officially broken ground in Barangay Tipacla, Ajuy, Iloilo. The PHP 2.37 billion project, developed by Jin Navitas Solaris, marks Iloilo’s first major ground-mounted solar facility. 

The 47.86-hectare plant will supply clean and reliable electricity to the Panay grid through the Sara–Panit 69 kV transmission line. It has completed the required System Impact Study and was awarded under the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program 2 (GEA-2), with a green energy tariff of PHP 4.35 per kilowatt-hour.

Department of Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, who led the groundbreaking ceremony, said, “This groundbreaking initiative not only marks a significant step in reducing our carbon footprint but also empowers local communities by providing them with reliable and renewable energy resources.”

The project aligns with the Iloilo Provincial Renewable Energy Plan (I-PREP), which maps out strategies to expand renewable energy use, promote energy self-sufficiency, and strengthen public-private collaboration. It is also backed by the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance for Renewable Energy (I-PORE), a pioneering law that incentivizes clean energy investment and mandates integration of renewables in development plans.

Beyond contributing to the national goal of 35% renewable energy in the power mix by 2030 (and 50% by 2040), the Ajuy-1 project is expected to boost grid stability in Northern Iloilo and make electricity more affordable for local consumers. Socioeconomic benefits include increased local government revenues, community development opportunities, and capacity-building in clean energy technologies.

What are your thoughts on Iloilo’s local renewable energy roadmap? Let us know how projects like Ajuy-1 impact your region.

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Photo credit: Jin Navitas Solaris