Total Eren, an independent power producer (IPP) and joint venture between Paris-based Total and EREN Renewable Energy, is making its debut in the Philippine renewable energy market by partnering with local RE firm Mabalacat Solar Philippines, and Singapore-based Sindicatum Renewable Energy to build two solar power plants in Central Luzon with a total of 135 megawatt peaks (MWp).
A 60 MWp solar photovoltaic project is currently being built in Tarlac and is expected to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2021. Meanwhile, construction of a 75 MWp facility in Zambales is set to commence in the second quarter of next year and operate by the fourth quarter. Both projects hold a 20-year private Power Supply Agreement.
When completed, both solar plants are expected to generate 180 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year and would benefit around 258,000 people in both areas.
In addition, the Tarlac and Zambales solar farms will support regional sustainable growth and contribute to local employment during both the construction and operation phases.
“I am enthusiastic about the prospects of the [Philippine] economy and the [decarbonization] underway in its energy sector, in which Total Eren wants to take an active role. We look forward to deliver these first two solar projects and are committed to the development of a larger portfolio of renewable energy projects in the country,” said Fabienne Demol, Total Eren Executive Vice President and Global Head of Business Development.
Total Eren opened its Asia-Pacific office in Singapore in 2015. Since then, it has put up RE facilities in Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia.
“This is a significant moment for Mabalacat’s development as an active and long-term participant in the Philippines’ renewable energy sector. We are particularly pleased that a leading renewable IPP such as Total Eren is working with Sindicatum Renewable Energy and with us for their first solar projects in the Philippines. We are gratified by their vote of confidence in the renewable energy policies of the Department of Energy and the [Philippine] government, as well as the strength of the Philippines’ economy and its strong prospects,” said Mabalacat Solar Philippines Chairman Jose Leviste, Jr.
“Sindicatum has been active with Mabalacat in the Philippines’ renewable energy market for a number of years. We very much look forward to working with Total Eren and Mabalacat to accelerate the country’s move toward achieving its decarbonization via rapid and accelerating expansion of renewable energy,” said Sindicatum Renewable Energy President and COO Robert Driscoll.
