Photo credit: Mobi Solar

Utility-scale solar facility to deliver clean energy, local jobs, and long-term economic value for Caraga Region

Butuan City, Philippines—The Mobi Solar Philippines–LongNeng Power Consortium, together with Enfinity Philippines Renewable Resources Inc. (EPRRTI) and CHINT Solar, has formalized a partnership to advance the 13MWp Butuan City 1 Solar Power Project, a high-efficiency utility-scale facility designed to support the city’s growing electricity needs and strengthen renewable energy development in the Caraga Region.

Under the partnership, the Mobi Solar–LongNeng Consortium will undertake engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for the solar plant, EPRRTI will act as project owner, and CHINT Solar will lead as project developer.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward for renewable energy development in Butuan City and the wider Caraga region,” said Ronghua Liao, CEO of Mobi Solar Philippines Inc. “With our combined expertise, we aim to deliver a modern solar facility that provides clean, reliable energy, long-term employment, and meaningful economic contribution to the community.”

Optimized interconnection, lower costs, and local benefits

The facility will have a 10MWac output, supplying a substantial portion of Butuan City’s electricity demand. According to Pedro Lite, COO of Chint Philippines, the project’s interconnection point was strategically selected to allow direct tap/cut-in to existing transmission lines, eliminating the need for connection to an NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines) substation. This approach reduces overall project investment costs, particularly for the 69kV transmission line requirements.

Had the project been connected directly to Agusan Del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc.’s distribution system, it could have avoided transmission charges, potentially reducing electricity costs for Butuan consumers. Nevertheless, the transmission-based configuration ensures efficient grid integration for this capacity class, Lite said.

Under DOE’s ER 1-94 program, the solar farm will provide royalty fees to its host barangay, the City of Butuan, and Agusan del Norte Province, boosting local revenues while delivering clean energy.

High-quality components and industry-standard EPC execution

“CHINT Solar will deploy Tier 1 photovoltaic modules and components, ensuring superior efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance,” Plince Wang, President of LongNeng Power Philippines, said. Alongside CHINT’s design leadership, the Mobi Solar–LongNeng Consortium will implement construction using internationally recognized EPC standards, with clearly defined scopes of work and non-overlapping responsibilities to ensure timely, safe, and cost-effective project delivery.

EPRRTI’s contractors will oversee two years of operational monitoring, including performance optimization and correction of any defects stemming from design or installation, ensuring consistent plant output during its early operational phase.

Long-term contract, local employment, and regional impact

The project operates under a 25-year solar energy operating contract, guaranteeing a stable and sustainable supply of renewable energy to Butuan City and neighboring provinces throughout the contract term. The facility will also generate long-term employment opportunities for local workers in operations and maintenance.

“This project can serve as a blueprint for future renewable energy initiatives in Caraga and across Mindanao,” said Gan Peng, Managing Director at Chint Solar (Bangladesh). “We look forward to a streamlined permitting and licensing process so the project can move swiftly toward full implementation.”

Mobi Solar Philippines and LongNeng Power form a consortium of experienced EPC contractors delivering turnkey solar projects using internationally recognized standards. Their combined local expertise and investment capacity support the development of reliable, high-efficiency solar facilities across the Philippines.

EPRRTI develops, constructs, and operates renewable energy facilities across the Philippines, including solar, wind, and hybrid projects. Its portfolio supports national energy security and local economic development.

CHINT Solar, on the other hand, is  part of the global CHINT Group, is a full-service solar solutions provider offering project development, EPC, and O&M services. The company delivers advanced, high-efficiency PV systems worldwide, ensuring long-term sustainability and optimal performance.