Batangas: Energy Secretary Sharon Garin emphasized the critical role of the private sector in advancing the government’s transition to clean energy. This statement came following her participation in the ceremonial switch-on event for Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation’s (CRED) 125 megawatts (MW) Lumbangan solar power project and the 72-MW Luntal solar power project in Tuy, Batangas, alongside President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that these projects are the country’s first hybrid agro-solar and battery energy storage facilities. “By putting in place utility-scale solar facilities with battery storage and agrivoltaics, these projects set a national benchmark for how private innovation and public policy can work together to speed up our energy transition and deliver real benefits to communities,” Garin stated in a news release.
The newly launched projects are projected to generate up to 197 megawatts of clean energy, utilizing a 320-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system designed to function beyond the typical solar generation window of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Citicore has also announced plans to expand its renewable energy portfolio by five gigawatts within the next five years.
Garin noted that these initiatives will assist the government in achieving its goal of increasing renewable energy sources to account for 35 percent of the country’s total energy mix by 2030. “Every megawatt we add from renewables, backed by storage and smart grid investments, means a more resilient, more affordable power system for Filipino families and businesses,” she remarked. Garin also expressed optimism about seeing Citicore and other partners expedite the development of additional projects.