Concepcion town eyed for 120-MW solar power project

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A 120-megawatt solar power project is being proposed in the municipality of Concepcion as part of efforts to expand renewable energy capacity in Iloilo.

The project is being proposed by MGen Renewable Energy Inc. through its subsidiary, LagunaSol Corporation.

The solar facility is planned for development across a 135.40-hectare site in Barangays Nipa and Lo-ong.

Under the proposal, the plant will be interconnected with the 138-kilovolt substation of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines located in the municipality.

“They are very welcome here. I told them we will work together. Here in Iloilo, we have designed a device we call the agricultural impact assessment where energy and agriculture will be balanced,” Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said during a press conference on Jan. 22.

Defensor said renewable energy developments could help address the province’s limited power reserves while supporting sustainable growth.

Representatives of the project proponent met with the governor earlier this week to formally present the proposal.

MGen Renewable Energy Inc. is the renewable energy arm of Meralco PowerGen Corp., a subsidiary of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

Once implemented, the project is expected to boost the province’s energy supply and generate more than PHP 1 million in annual tax revenues for the host municipality.