Negros Occidental to build 65 MW solar power plant

China Energy Engineering Group Shanxi Electric Power Engineering Co., Ltd. has joined the Philippine government’s efforts to expand renewable energy supply potential by building a photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Bacolod City, Negros Oriental Province.

Energy China held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 65-megawatt (MW) Areco photovoltaic power plant in Bacolod City, marking the official start of construction of the first photovoltaic power plant project in the Philippines on July 14.

The Areco Solar photovoltaic power plant project will have a capacity of 50 MW and includes the construction of a 22 kV/69 kV substation and a two-kilometre transmission line, taking into account the expansion of the distances of transformer substations.

“Upon completion of the project, the Philippines’ energy supply will be significantly increased, contributing to the transformation of the country’s energy structure and social and economic development,” China Energy said in a press release.

“This will also support the realization of the Philippine National Renewable Energy Program target,” it added.

The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix by 35 percent by 2030 and by 50 percent by 2040.