ACEN Corp., the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group, has expanded its renewable energy footprint in North Luzon with the now-operating 133-megawatt Cagayan North Solar project in Lal-lo, Cagayan.

Developed with CleanTech Renewable Energy 4 Corp., the 225-hectare facility generates 188 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually — enough for 45,000 homes — while cutting about 128,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions per year. It is the first utility-scale solar project in Cagayan province.

“Cagayan North Solar is the first renewable energy project in Cagayan supplying clean power to the Luzon grid. As electricity demand continues to grow, this project plays a vital role in strengthening the country’s energy supply through reliable and sustainable generation,” ACEN President and CEO Eric Francia said in a stock exchange report on Wednesday.

The project created around 1,000 green jobs during construction. ACEN and CleanTech, in partnership with local government, are also funding community initiatives, including the P14-million Bical National High School, the first in barangay Bical, which can accommodate up to 200 students.

“The Cagayan North Solar power plant is more than just an energy source, it’s a symbol of progress. By delivering clean, renewable electricity to the grid, it strengthens the Philippines' energy resilience while reducing carbon emissions,” CleanTech Global Renewables, Inc. President and CEO Salvador Antonio Castro Jr. said.

“For host communities, it means new jobs, better infrastructure, and a sustainable future. With every ray of sunlight captured, we illuminate lives and power a nation towards a greener tomorrow."

Cagayan North Solar is 60 percent owned by ACEN and 40 percent by CleanTech.