The proposed APECO and Huge Energy project is planned to reach 1 GW across three development phases
The initial 100 MW phase will combine solar, battery storage and a substation
Later phases will add solar and waste-to-energy generation, subject to further studies and approvals
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and Huge Energy Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore a renewable energy and energy storage project with up to 1 GW of generation capacity in the Philippines.
Casiguran-based ecozone in Aurora province of the Philippines will host the project which will include solar PV generation, battery energy storage system (BESS) and a high-capacity substation.
Huge Energy, a solar panel manufacturer, will undertake the project with South Korean EPC firm Dong-A Global Co., Ltd.
APECO is allocating 90 hectares of land for the proposed development. The authority said the project is part of its efforts to strengthen energy infrastructure within the ecozone and support future industrial and manufacturing activity.
The proposed project will be developed in three phases, with the first phase targeting about 100 MW. In the initial phase, the project will combine solar PV, battery energy storage system (BESS) and a substation.
Under phase II, it will add 350 MW of generation capacity using a mix of solar and waste-to-energy technologies. The third phase is expected to add another 550 MW, bringing the planned total to 1 GW.
“Power precedes progress. Before industries can operate, businesses can expand, and investments can come in, we need reliable and sustainable power,” said APECO President and CEO Gil G. Taway IV. He added that the project is intended to accelerate energy infrastructure development within APECO, including substations and potentially transmission facilities.
According to Taway, the initiative is also aimed at improving power availability and affordability in the ecozone, Aurora province and the country.
The partnership will cover several stages of project development, including planning and engineering, feasibility studies, permits and government approvals, grid interconnection, equipment procurement, power offtake arrangements and financing, among others. APECO said each phase will remain subject to technical and financial feasibility studies, due diligence, grid requirements and applicable government approvals.
The Philippines government is advancing renewable energy deployment in the country, including solar as the country faces soaring electricity prices, and fuel supply constraints. The government targets 35% renewable energy share by 2030 and 50% by 2050, with solar expected to contribute around 21 GW and 50 GW, respectively. TaiyangNews Solar Market Intelligence Brief for the Philippines market is available for free download here.
