Amid power shortages in the Philippines, Aboitiz Renewables launches new solar and geothermal projects, adding over 200 MW of capacity

Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI), the renewable energy division of Aboitiz Power Corporation, recently announced the operational launch of the 159 megawatt peak (MWp) Laoag Solar Power Plant in Aguilar, Pangasinan. This development comes at a crucial time as the country has faced multiple yellow and red alerts due to the forced shutdowns of power plants and increased demand caused by high temperatures. Yellow alerts signal that power reserves are below the required margins for safe operations, while red alerts indicate that the power supply is insufficient to meet the demand.

According to ARI President Jimmy Villaroman, the Laoag facility, together with the 94 MWp Cayanga-Bugallon Solar Power Plant, also in Pangasinan, will provide approximately 200 megawatts (MW) of sellable capacity. These installations are part of AboitizPower’s strategy to bolster the national grid and support the Philippines’ journey towards greater energy security.

Notably, both solar projects have been constructed on sloping, non-agricultural land, preserving fertile farmland for agricultural use, which supports local farmers and the economy.

In addition to these solar projects, AboitizPower is also set to bring the 17 MW Tiwi Binary Geothermal Power Plant online later this year. This facility, located in Albay alongside the existing Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant, will utilize residual heat from geothermal processes to generate additional electricity.

Moreover, the newly operational 24 MW Magat battery energy storage system (BESS), under the SN Aboitiz Power Group—a joint venture between Scatec and AboitizPower—began serving the Luzon grid in January 2024. This system primarily provides ancillary services to help stabilize the grid.

AboitizPower’s ongoing expansion includes these projects among others, aiming to add 1,200 MW in a first phase and 1,700 MW in a subsequent phase, focusing on solar and wind energy. This aligns with the national goals to increase renewable energy’s share to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, as AboitizPower targets a total of 3,700 MW of new renewable capacity leading up to 2030.