BUSINESS

Prime Infra leveraging modern tech to advance solar ventures

Maria Bernadette Romero

Solar Tanauan Corp., a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. led by businessman Enrique K. Razon, Jr., is integrating advanced project design and execution tools into its solar plant developments in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite as part of its drive to augment affordable and clean energy supply in the country.

Solar Tanauan utilizes digital twin technology, drone verification of progress, optimized string sizing, and 24/7 quality assurance/quality control monitoring both at the factory and at the site.

It also conducted a Front End Engineering Design to streamline the procurement and construction phases, packaged contracting, and owner-supplied materials.

These technologies allowed each party to focus on their specialties, optimize risk allocation, and use software for simplifying complex earthwork assessment for terrain-following layouts.

"We are proud to have the most advanced execution technology and strategy for a solar power project here in the Philippines. This celebration is a testament to Prime Infra's approach in deploying renewable energy projects and reaffirms our commitment to pioneer innovative solutions towards a clean energy future," Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci said in a statement sent to the press on Friday.

Prime Infra previously said it expects to start commissioning its 140-megawatt solar power plants in Tanauan, Batangas, and Maragondon, Cavite by the end of the year.

The company kicked off the construction of the plants in April.

The projects are estimated to have an annual generation capacity of 202 gigawatt-hours — enough to power up over 84,000 households and displace over 100,000 tons of coal annually.

The Tanauan and Maragondon solar power plants will have an installed gross capacity of up to 140 megawatts. Total annual generation capacity is estimated to power over 84,000 households and displace over 100,000 tons of coal per year.

Once running, the projects will support the national government's bid to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's total energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Last year, renewable energy only took up 22.8 percent of the total mix.