Copy of CREC commissions the Philippines’ first baseload solar plant in Batangas

Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC) has inaugurated Citicore Solar Batangas 1, the country’s first solar baseload power facility, marking a significant step in the Philippines’ clean energy journey.

Located in Tuy, Batangas, the 197-MWp project is integrated with a 320-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), allowing it to deliver stable electricity around the clock. The plant was officially switched on September 15 in a ceremony attended by President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, and CREC executives.

CREC President and CEO Oliver Tan highlighted the milestone, stating, “This is the first project in the Philippines to demonstrate that solar can operate as baseload power. It represents a major leap forward in our renewable energy transition.” He also reaffirmed CREC’s goal of reaching its initial 1 GW of renewable capacity by early 2026.

Tan further emphasized the broader impact, noting that the shift will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy while moving toward a vision of “Powering a First-World Philippines with Pure Renewable Energy.”

CREC Chairman Edgar Saavedra underscored the company’s strong collaboration with the government, pointing to its track record from Megawide to Citicore. “With our expertise in engineering, construction, and innovation, we are committed to completing projects on time, at high quality, and at competitive costs,” he said.

The Batangas facility is part of 11 projects across Pangasinan, Pampanga, Batangas, Quezon, and Negros Occidental that will make up CREC’s first gigawatt portfolio by the end of 2025. Collectively, these projects are expected to supply power to about 800,000 households annually while reducing carbon emissions by nearly 2.8 billion tons.

Nine of the projects have already secured 20-year supply contracts through the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP)-2. All are recognized as Energy Projects of National Significance, with 10 awarded Green Lane Certifications from the Board of Investments.

In addition, CREC is advancing its AgroSolar Initiative, which combines solar generation with agricultural activities to support local farmers and bolster food security.