Aboitiz Renewables Eyes 313 MWp Solar by 2025

Aboitiz Renewables Inc., the renewable energy arm of AboitizPower Corp., is targeting to energize 313.64 megawatt-peak of solar capacity by December 2025, according to the Manila Bulletin.

“We have one [solar project] in San Manuel in Pangasinan, and another in Olongapo,” said Leo Lehbo Lungay, vice president and general manager of ARI’s solar and wind business group.

He confirmed that the 212 MWp Olongapo solar project in Zambales will be AboitizPower’s largest solar project to date.

ARI currently operates approximately 532.19 MWp of solar assets.

“We already have six: three in Pangasinan, one in Tarlac, and two in Negros Occidental,” Lungay said.

The largest of these is the 173 MWp Calatrava solar project in Negros Occidental.

During a site visit to the Cayanga-Bugallon solar facility, ARI showcased its 94.717 MWdc solar plant, built on a 44.6-hectare sloping, non-arable terrain.

“It’s designed to follow the natural contours of the mountain terrain,” Lungay noted.

He added that expansion at the site is unlikely due to its optimized layout.

Lungay also highlighted the company’s growing interest in floating solar technology.

“We’re largely considering this kind of technology,” he said.

“It’s not outside our radar, and it’s closer to our chest than before.”

He said ARI has a floating solar project in North Luzon and noted that having a suitable body of water is essential.

He emphasized that feasibility and access to water resources remain key factors for floating solar development.

In addition to solar, ARI is advancing its wind energy initiatives.

In January, the company acquired full ownership of the 90 MW Libmanan onshore wind project in Camarines Sur.

It purchased the shares of its former partner, Mainstream Renewable Power Philippines Holdings B.V., in Cornerstone Energy Development Inc.