The Department of Energy (DOE) is calling for a stronger public-private partnership (PPP) to accelerate the country’s transition to renewable energy, following the commissioning of the 41.92-megawatt Samal Solar Renewable Energy Project in Bataan.

Energy Assistant Secretary Mylene C. Capongcol said Wednesday regulators expect more developers to replicate the project’s model, which delivers both clean energy and socio-economic benefits to local communities.

“This Solar Project is a testament to the transformative power of renewable energy,” Capongcol said. 

“It not only provides clean power but also fuels local development through employment and capacity building. This is the kind of sustainable, inclusive progress we are working to achieve nationwide.”

The solar plant, developed by Samal Solar Renewable Energy Corp., is now supplying power to the Luzon grid, supporting the government's goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030.

Construction of the plant began in 2024 and generated over 1,000 jobs. Now, it is expected to create long-term employment opportunities in operations and maintenance, with training programs implemented in partnership with local governments and academic institutions.

The host communities, including the municipal government of Samal and residents of Barangays Gugo and San Juan, are also expected to benefit from livelihood opportunities, workforce upskilling, and enhanced local services linked to the project.

“With the successful commissioning of the Samal Solar Plant, the DOE reiterates its call for stronger public-private collaboration to accelerate the country’s renewable energy development and ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are truly felt by all Filipinos,” the agency said.

As of April, there are 1,392 active renewable energy contracts in the country, with a total installed capacity of 7.05 gigawatts (GW). Solar energy accounts for 515 of these contracts, contributing 2.56 GW to the total.