BUSINESS

DOE powers up Subic with solar EV station

Maria Bernadette Romero

The Department of Energy has officially turned over a Solar-Assisted Electric Vehicle Charging Station to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to support the shift toward cleaner, smarter transport.

The handover was led by Energy Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan, representing Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin. Also present were DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick T. Aquino, CESO III; SBMA officials Engr. Marco A. Estabillo and Engr. Jomel M. Libut; and PNOC Renewables Corporation President and CEO Ronald R. Estilles.

The project, developed under the Government Energy Management Program, blends solar power with electric mobility. 

Strategically located in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the station aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand access to clean transportation, and encourage more Filipinos to adopt electric vehicles.

“This initiative is a testament to progress driven by partnership, innovation, and our shared commitment to a low-carbon and energy-secure future,” Garin said in a message delivered by Undersecretary Marasigan.

“It demonstrates what we can achieve when the government, industry, and communities work together toward cleaner, sustainable transport for the Filipino people,” she added.

The project follows the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act and the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry, supporting the government’s serious to increase the share of renewables to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.