ACEN Corp.’s subsidiary Giga Ace 8, Inc. plans to expand its solar farm in Palauig, Zambales to 420 megawatts-peak (MWp) from 346 MWp for P26 billion.
In a document submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Giga Ace 8 proposed increasing the capability and land area of its solar farm under its existing environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
Giga Ace 8, a special purpose vehicle for developing renewable energy projects within the Philippines, plans to expand the land area to 369.83 hectares from 275 hectares.
The project will include a battery energy storage system (BESS).
“The Giga Ace 8 Solar Power Project goals to realize sustainable development and provide electricity to the Luzon grid to handle the expected lack of supply and increasing demand for power,” the corporate said.
The mixing of the BESS with the solar energy plant could have an output of as much as 200 MW, which is planned to be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. or until BESS is fully discharged.
“During solar hours, the plant’s output will primarily come from solar generation. Any excess solar generation will likely be stored within the BESS, while any energy deficit throughout the period will likely be supplied by the BESS,” the corporate said.
The corporate said it selected the project site in Barangay Bulawen and Salaza for its accessibility and high solar irradiance potential.
“The present and the proposed expansion areas don’t encroach on any protected areas and historical cultural properties,” Giga Ace 8 said.
The proponent is currently within the feasibility, permitting, and licensing, and detailed engineering phase for the proposed additional area.
Construction of the components under the prevailing ECC is ongoing and is slated for completion by the primary quarter of 2026.
The goal for business operation is the second quarter of 2026.
Construction for the extra area is scheduled from the primary quarter of 2026 to the third quarter of 2030, with business operation expected by the fourth quarter of 2030. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
