Demand for solar energy is rising as more companies provide the technology to commercial, government, industrial and residential users who want to help reduce carbon emission caused by burning conventional fuel to produce electricity. 

Among the public entities adopting this clean energy is the freeport of Bataan. The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) combines solar and geothermal energy to power the complex.

Inside the Freeport, a six-megawatt rooftop solar facility has been installed across 14 factory buildings, providing locators with direct daytime electricity while reducing grid dependence and minimizing transmission losses. 

To cover peak demand, additional capacity comes from the 20-megawatt Mariveles Solar Plant of Citicore Solar Bataan Inc. in Barangay Alas-Asin, Mariveles.

For dependable round-the-clock operations, AFAB sources baseload power from the Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant in Leyte. With its 600-megawatt output, the plant ensures a steady supply of electricity that complements the variability of solar generation.

AFAB administrator and CEO Hussein Pangandaman highlighted how an economic zone can pursue growth while contributing to the country’s broader transition toward clean energy during the Arangkada Philippines Investment Forum on 26 September. By securing a 100 percent renewable energy supply in its main zone, the FAB strengthens its position as a competitive investment destination built on sustainable and future-ready infrastructure, according to Pangandaman.

Solar energy in the Philippines has a very bright future, with the government focusing on making the country rely on 35 percent renewables by 2030, half by 2040.

This also foresees a significant annual market growth of round 15 percent to 25 percent, and a massive shift from costly diesel, driven by high sunlight potential, falling photovoltaic panel cost, and increasing energy security needs.