Basic Energy Corp. (BEC), chaired by businessman Ramon Villavicencio, can now begin securing the necessary government approvals and land rights for its planned 47-megawatt peak solar project in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

In a disclosure on Thursday, the energy firm confirmed it had received the Certificate of Authority (COA) for its proposed 25-year Solar Energy Operating Contract from the Department of Energy (DOE).

“The COA, issued under the revised Omnibus Guidelines Governing the Award and Administration of Renewable Energy Contracts, grants [BEC] the authority to secure the necessary permits and tenurial instruments for the project,” the company said.

With the permit in place, BEC said it would begin securing clearances from national agencies and local government units, including conducting a System Impact Study to be reviewed and approved by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Based on a preliminary study by an independent firm, BEC said the planned 37-hectare facility is targeted for completion and commissioning by early 2027.