APOLAKI SEVEN, Inc., a unit of German renewable energy developer ib vogt GmbH, has energized the primary phase of its solar energy project in South Cotabato, which is predicted to produce electricity to about 68,000 households.
In a press release on Thursday, the Department of Energy said Phase 1 of the Tantangan Solar Power Project has an installed capability of 74.5 megawatts-peak (MWp) ahead of the project’s scheduled completion in October.
The bottom-mounted solar facility is 97.3% complete and is being developed in two phases. It should be paired with a battery energy storage system with a 4-megawatt output and 16-megawatt-hour storage capability.
Once fully operational, the solar project is predicted to generate 163 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually while avoiding about 113,950 metric tons of carbon emissions every year.
“By bringing utility-scale solar generation to Mindanao, this plant strengthens the reliability and variety of the island’s power supply,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.
She said projects corresponding to the Tantangan solar facility would help reduce the country’s dependence on imported energy sources, particularly amid developments within the Middle East.
“That is what happens when the federal government creates the suitable policy environment and the private sector steps up with capital, vision, and execution. That is how we scale the energy transition across our archipelago,” Ms. Garin said.
ib vogt GmbH is a German renewable energy company specializing in the event and delivery of utility-scale turnkey photovoltaic power plants. The corporate currently operates 22.5 MWp of solar capability within the Philippines. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera