Levanta breaks ground on 166-MWp Iloilo solar project

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

BAROTAC VIEJO, Iloilo — Levanta Renewables has broken ground on a 166-megawatt-peak solar power project with an 80-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system in Barotac Viejo, strengthening the pipeline of renewable energy projects intended to support rising electricity demand in the Visayas.

The battery-backed facility could help improve grid reliability by storing part of the electricity generated during daylight hours and releasing it when needed, extending the availability of solar power while reducing dependence on conventional generation.

Developed through Magallanes Solar Energy Corp., the ground-mounted Barotac Viejo Solar Power Project is targeted to begin commercial operations in the second quarter of 2027, subject to the completion of construction, grid connection and regulatory requirements.

The facility is expected to generate about 261 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to supply around 136,000 households.

It is also projected to avoid approximately 200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year compared with conventional power generation.

The project was awarded in October 2025 under the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program, a competitive procurement mechanism designed to accelerate renewable energy development in the Philippines.

Levanta completed the project’s financial close and issued the notice to proceed in May 2026, according to its project fact sheet.

China Energy Engineering Corp. was identified as the project’s engineering, procurement and construction contractor.

The company expects construction to generate economic activity through purchases of goods and services, engagement with local suppliers and contractors, and other project-related spending.

Representatives from the DOE, national and local government agencies, project partners and community stakeholders attended the groundbreaking ceremony, which included the lowering of a project time capsule.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone for the Barotac Viejo Solar Power Project and reflects the collective effort of our government partners, host communities and project teams,” Levanta Renewables Chief Executive Officer Pramod Singh said.

“We appreciate the support of the Department of Energy, the Provincial Government of Iloilo, the Municipality of Barotac Viejo, our project partners and the local community in reaching this important milestone.”

“As construction progresses, our focus remains on delivering the project safely, responsibly and on schedule while creating long-term value for the communities we serve.”

DOE Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Marissa Cerezo delivered a message on behalf of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.

“The Barotac Viejo Solar Power Project reflects the continued momentum of renewable energy development in the Philippines and demonstrates the important role of private sector investment in achieving our national energy objectives,” Cerezo said.

“Utility-scale solar generation, complemented by battery energy storage, will play an increasingly important role in strengthening energy security, improving grid reliability and supporting a more sustainable energy future for the country.”

Barotac Viejo Mayor Nielo Tupas said the project could create employment and livelihood opportunities while becoming a new landmark for the northern Iloilo municipality.

“This project by Levanta Renewables will not only generate jobs and livelihood opportunities for our people, but it will also become a landmark and a potential tourism destination for our town.”

“More importantly, it symbolizes that Barotac Viejo is embracing modernization and moving confidently toward greater progress and sustainable development.”

“Barotac Viejo has long been known as the Gateway to the North, being the first municipality entering the Fifth District of Iloilo.”

“Today, we can proudly say that Barotac Viejo is also becoming the home of solar energy projects in the Province of Iloilo—a testament to our commitment to renewable energy, innovation, and a brighter future for our community.”

Levanta said its community investments began in October 2025 with the distribution of solar-powered streetlights and reusable food containers benefiting more than 1,700 residents, including members of an Indigenous Ati community.

In November 2025, the company distributed disaster preparedness equipment, recovery tools and essential supplies to 28 resettled families and three host barangays following Typhoon Tino.

Since May 2026, it has provided electricity, clean water and sanitation facilities to 25 resettled households and surrounding host communities.

The company also conducted information, education and communication sessions for 61 participants, including local government officials, in May.

In July, Levanta delivered a patient transport vehicle intended to improve health care access for more than 1,700 residents, including members of the Indigenous Ati community.

Singapore-headquartered Levanta develops, builds and operates utility-scale solar, wind and energy storage projects across Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.

The company has more than 90 professionals across Southeast Asia, with 762 megawatts of projects operating or under construction and a development pipeline exceeding 1 gigawatt.

Its regional portfolio includes the 139.6-megawatt Sunflower Solar Portfolio, consisting of 24 solar farms across four provinces, and the 91-megawatt Thai Solar Renewables Portfolio, comprising 10 solar farms in two provinces.

Other projects include the 98-megawatt Daisy Solar Portfolio across eight provinces, the 50-megawatt Chu Prong Onshore Wind Farm in Vietnam and the proposed 104-megawatt Atimonan Onshore Wind project.

Levanta is wholly owned by sustainable infrastructure investor Actis, which became part of General Atlantic’s global investment platform in October 2024.