Sagay targets 2027 start for 101.2-MW floating solar project

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Sagay City government in Negros Occidental announced plans for a 101.2-megawatt floating solar power project expected to begin construction in early 2027, potentially bringing a major renewable energy investment to the city.

Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva welcomed the proposed investment following a recent meeting with representatives of LakeSunEnergy Inc., a subsidiary of Mandaluyong-based SunAsia Energy.

The meeting provided updates on the proposed 101.2-megawatt alternating-current solar-on-water photovoltaic project.

The project will cover approximately 105.02 hectares in Barangay Himoga-an Baybay, where solar facilities are planned for installation over fishpond areas.

The development is designed to maximize the productive use of the site while maintaining waterways and supporting cleaner electricity generation.

LakeSunEnergy is working to secure financing and complete the necessary project requirements by December 2026, including permits, clearances, and other regulatory approvals.

As part of the preparations, the company is coordinating with the City Planning and Development Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and City Agriculture Office to gather data on fishponds, land-use classifications, zoning, environmental guidelines, and other planning requirements.

The coordination aims to ensure that the project complies with local land-use and environmental regulations while balancing renewable energy development with the area’s existing uses.

The Sagay project forms part of a broader solar-on-water development push by SunAsia Energy, which announced in June a partnership with Vietnam’s VinEnergo covering three projects in Pampanga and Negros Occidental with a combined capacity of 422 megawatts peak.

The proposed solar project is expected to support Sagay’s economic development while contributing to the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

The development is also part of the city government’s continuing efforts to attract investments that create economic opportunities while ensuring that large-scale projects comply with environmental and development policies.