A surge of clean energy is poised to flow into the Philippines’ Luzon grid as PetroGreen Energy Corp. prepares to launch its 13.2-megawatt Nabas-2 wind power project in Aklan. After years of development and a substantial P2.57 billion investment, the facility has received the green light to connect, promising a boost to the region’s power supply.
Nabas-2 isn’t a solitary venture; it stands alongside the already operational 36-MW Nabas-1 wind farm, which has been delivering power since 2015. Strategically located south of its predecessor, the new project will significantly amplify the clean energy output of the Nabas wind complex.
The final hurdle before full operation is a certificate of compliance from the Energy Regulatory Commission, eagerly awaited after receiving approval from the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines. This certification will unlock the full potential of Nabas-2, injecting much-needed power into the Luzon grid.
Dave Gadiano, assistant vice-president for power markets, emphasized the project’s timing, noting it coincides with ongoing upgrades to the Boracay-Caticlan-Nabas transmission line. This synergy ensures a reliable pathway for the wind farm’s energy to reach the vibrant tourism and business hubs of Boracay and Aklan.
The expansion doesn’t stop at wind power. Simultaneously, PetroGreen is actively testing and commissioning a 25-MW solar farm in Pangasinan, poised to further bolster Luzon’s renewable energy capacity. This project is a key component of a larger 111.6-MW portfolio.
Developed and operated by Bugallon Green Energy Corp. under Rizal Green Energy Corp. (RGEC), the Pangasinan solar farm represents a collaborative effort between PetroGreen and Japan’s Taisei Corp. This partnership underscores a commitment to international cooperation in sustainable energy development.
PetroGreen, the renewable energy arm of PetroEnergy Resources Corp., benefits from a 25% stake held by Japan’s Kyuden International Corp., strengthening its position as a leading force in the Philippine renewable energy sector. The Nabas-2 project will operate under a fixed 20-year tariff, secured through the government’s green energy auction program.
This wave of renewable energy projects builds on recent successes. Last month, BKS Green Energy Corp., a subsidiary of RGEC, successfully activated a 40-MW solar power plant in Isabela, utilizing over 52,640 photovoltaic panels. This demonstrates a clear momentum towards a cleaner energy future for the Philippines.
The Isabela plant, a P1.8-billion investment, relies on cutting-edge technology from Chinese manufacturer Trina Solar, showcasing the global reach of the renewable energy supply chain. These combined initiatives signal a significant step towards diversifying the Philippines’ energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint.
