• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A 600-megawatt (MW) solar power project of AboitizPower will soon to rise in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said on Wednesday, July 8 the first phase of the project, with a capacity of 300MW, is set for groundbreaking in Barangay Luna on July 24.
A second 300-MW phase is planned in a separate site in Barangay Mabini.
The overall development is expected to occupy about 400 hectares, with the possibility of its capacity reaching even up to 700MW as technology continues to improve, Escalante said.
He estimated the project could be worth around P50 billion, based on the scale of previous solar investments in the city, including the 132-MW Home Vena Energy’s Helios Solar Power Plant in Barangay Tinampaan.
The estimate covers land acquisition and other development costs.
The mayor said the project highlights growing investor confidence in Cadiz City as a destination for large-scale energy developments.
“Of all the places in Negros Occidental, they chose Cadiz. It only means that Cadiz is ready to host big-ticket investments, not only in energy but also in other businesses that generate income and opportunities,” Escalante said.
He added that the project is expected to generate additional local revenues, which could help fund social programs such as Cadiz City’s “Walang Gutom” feeding program.
Noting that advances in solar panel technology have significantly increased energy production, Escalante said solar panels that previously generated around 0.8 kilowatts can now produce approximately 1.4 kilowatts, making newer solar farms more efficient.
He added that another investor has also acquired land in the city with plans to develop battery energy storage facilities.
Under current Department of Energy policies, solar farm operators are required to store at least 10 percent of their generated electricity in battery energy storage systems. The requirement is intended to improve grid reliability by making solar-generated electricity available during nighttime hours.
Escalante expressed optimism that battery storage would help address recurring power interruptions in the area by providing a more stable supply of electricity after sunset.
“This is an exciting time because the government continues to adopt and improve programs that support renewable energy. Hopefully, we can implement them properly,” he added. | GPB
