MCT boosts renewable energy use with solar power integration

Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT), a key gateway operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) at the Port of Cagayan de Oro, has ramped up its renewable energy use by integrating solar power into its daily operations.

Since 14 February, MCT has been sourcing solar energy during daylight hours through a retail supply contract with PrimeRES Energy Corporation, under the Philippine Department of Energy’s Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework. At night, the terminal continues to operate using PrimeRES’ diversified energy portfolio, including supply from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), ensuring round-the-clock power availability.

“The Mindanao Container Terminal is a key gateway for the region, and reducing carbon emissions from our operations aligns with ICTSI’s broader environmental objectives,” said MCT president and general manager Aurelio Garcia.

“This shift to solar power reflects our commitment to sustainability and demonstrates the steps we are taking to lower emissions.”

PrimeRES Energy Corporation, a licensed retail electricity supplier, provides renewable energy solutions to industrial customers. It focuses on partnerships with private distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to deliver sustainable power.

“This partnership with MCT exemplifies our commitment to delivering affordable and reliable power solutions tailored to meet diverse needs,” said PrimeRES Energy Corporation chief operating officer Daniel Arago. “We appreciate MCT’s trust and shared vision of providing consumers with environmentally friendly energy solutions at competitive costs.”

Aside from supporting sustainability efforts, the switch to PrimeRES is expected to provide MCT with competitive electricity rates and potential cost savings.

ICTSI, through its subsidiary Mindanao International Container Terminal Services Inc. (MICTSI), recently secured a 25-year extension to operate and manage MCT. As part of its long-term strategy, MCT is set to invest over $100 million in infrastructure upgrades, including a 300-meter berth extension and new equipment to accommodate increasing cargo volumes. These enhancements will expand the terminal’s current 350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) capacity and improve connectivity for Mindanao’s importers and exporters.

The expansion aligns with government efforts to drive investment and business growth in the region while reinforcing MCT’s commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability.