A significant shift is underway in the heart of Cavite’s manufacturing sector, as a global technology leader embraces a fully renewable energy future. American Power Conversion Corp., a key brand within Schneider Electric, has partnered to power its facilities with clean energy sourced directly from the land.
The agreement, facilitated through ACEN Corp.’s retail electricity supply unit, leverages the Philippine government’s Green Energy Option Program. This program empowers large energy consumers – those demanding at least 100 kilowatts monthly – to actively choose renewable sources for their power needs.
Five critical facilities in Cavite, dedicated to the intricate process of semiconductor manufacturing, are now operating on 100% renewable energy. The transition began in December, encompassing both administrative offices and the bustling production floors where innovation takes shape.
“This collaboration sets in motion our transition to 100% renewable energy at the Cavite Smart Factory,” declared Antonio Cheng, Jr., plant director for Schneider Electric Philippines. “It’s a bold stride in our journey toward net zero, a commitment we take seriously.”
The Cavite facility is poised to achieve a landmark status, becoming the first plant within a government economic zone in Luzon to run entirely on renewable power. It will also be the first Schneider Electric factory in all of East Asia to reach this milestone.
Eric T. Francia, President and CEO of ACEN, highlighted the partnership as a powerful demonstration of how major industrial players can accelerate the nation’s energy transition. ACEN RES currently dominates the Green Energy Option Program market, holding a substantial 57% share.
The power fueling this transformation originates from ACEN’s diverse portfolio of renewable assets – solar farms basking in the sun, wind turbines harnessing the breeze, and geothermal plants tapping into the earth’s natural heat. This commitment to clean energy is deeply ingrained in ACEN’s strategy.
ACEN boasts an impressive 7 gigawatts of attributable renewable energy capacity, a testament to its dedication. The company has decisively moved away from conventional power generation, completing a full divestment of its fossil fuel assets to focus solely on sustainable sources.
This strategic shift underscores a broader movement within the energy sector, signaling a growing recognition of the vital role renewable energy plays in securing a sustainable future for the Philippines and beyond.
