Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC) has started building its third solar project in Pampanga, a 41-megawatt-peak (MWp) facility in Magalang targeted for completion in the second half of 2027.

The company said Friday the project, being developed in partnership with Pampanga 1 Electric Cooperative (PELCO I), will be equipped with a 53-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system.

The facility will be the country’s first embedded solar project with an Integrated Renewable Energy and Energy Storage System.

“Citicore’s long-standing partnership with PELCO I since 2024 is really about creating tailor-fit energy solutions meant to ease the burden of soaring electricity costs for the cooperative’s member-consumer-owners. 

We remain steadfast in strengthening our relationship as we bring clean and sustainable power for Kapampangans,” Citicore Energy Solutions, Inc. President Jerard Garcia said.

The Magalang facility is the first embedded solar project between CREC and PELCO I and advances a partnership between the two companies that began in 2024.

Embedded solar plants are directly connected to electric cooperatives such as PELCO I, potentially reducing system losses and electricity costs for end users.

The projects can also help electric cooperatives meet their renewable energy sourcing requirements under the government’s Renewable Portfolio Standards.

Once completed, the Magalang facility is expected to supply clean, stable, and reliable energy to consumers within PELCO I’s franchise area.

CREC and Landbank last month signed a P4.05-billion project finance loan facility agreement to fund the development of two embedded solar projects, including the PELCO I facility.

The Magalang project follows CREC’s 115-MWp Arayat-Mexico Solar Farm, energized in 2022, and the 42-MWp Citicore Solar Pampanga 1, energized in 2025.