The city government has launched a rooftop solar power project aimed at reducing electricity costs in public facilities and expanding the use of renewable energy in government operations, through a partnership with private sector firms providing equipment and services at no cost.

The initiative, announced by Mayor Leni Robredo on April 23, covers the installation of 200 photovoltaic (PV) panels on the rooftops of the Raul S. Roco Library and the Naga City People’s Hall. The project is being implemented through Emerging Power, Inc. (EPI) and Ecological Energy Technologies, Inc., following authorization from the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the city government to enter into formal agreements with the private partners.

The solar panels, valued at around PHP 1 million, are being donated to the city, with Emerging Power, Inc. also providing implementation support alongside its contractor partner.

Based on projections provided by project proponents, the system is expected to reduce the city government’s monthly electricity expenses by as much as PHP 70,000 from an average consumption of about PHP 200,000.

Beyond the immediate installation, Emerging Power, Inc. is also donating heavy equipment to the city, including an excavator, dump trucks, wheel loaders, fuel trucks, water trucks, and a service vehicle, expanding the scope of its support for local infrastructure development.

Emerging Power, Inc. is the renewable energy arm of Nickel Asia Corp. and is actively developing a portfolio of solar and hybrid energy projects across the Philippines. 

The company operates and is expanding utility-scale solar assets, including facilities in Subic and Zambales, as part of its broader renewable energy expansion program. In previous disclosures, the firm has framed its investments as part of efforts to support the country’s clean energy transition and improve long-term energy security.

City officials said the project aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize public facilities while managing limited fiscal resources, with private sector participation helping bridge funding gaps for capital-intensive energy upgrades.

Naga City is expected to finalize agreements with its private partners in the coming phase of implementation.

As more LGUs explore solar partnerships and donor-backed installations, how scalable is this model for wider public sector energy transition in the Philippines?

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