PGEC expands RE push with 40-MW solar plant

PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC), through its subsidiary BKS Green Energy Corp. (BKS), has started construction of the 40-megawatt (MW) Limbauan Solar Power Project (LSPP) in San Pablo, Isabela — a development expected to augment the Luzon grid's clean energy capacity.

The Yuchengco-led company said on Tuesday that the project, scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, can generate up to 59 gigawatt-hours of clean power annually, benefiting about 33,000 households and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 31,700 metric tons.

The project, which uses 52,640 solar panels from Trina Solar, is divided into two phases: a 6-MW first phase connecting to the Isabela Electric Cooperative-II and a 34-MW second phase that will link to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines' Tuguegarao-Cabagan transmission line.

“We are thrilled to officially begin the installation of LSPP’s PV panels in the presence of our various stakeholders – private and public – especially local government officials of our host communities who are strong supporters of PGEC’s first investment in Region 2,” PGEC Vice President for Business Development and Commercial Operations Maria Victoria M. Olivar said. 

Beyond increasing energy supply, Olivar said the project, which was one of the winning bidders in the government's Second Green Energy Auction, is expected to generate jobs for the local community.

“We anticipate employing around 500-600 workers at the height of construction, partnering with our host LGUs for our corporate social responsibility and environment protection programs, and contributing to the over-all economic and social progress of the Cagayan Valley region,” she added.  

BKS, a subsidiary of PGEC's affiliate, Rizal Green Energy Corp., is a joint venture between PGEC and Japan’s TAISEI Corp.