• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI), manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, is harnessing solar energy in all its 11 manufacturing plants nationwide, including in Bacolod City, to reduce its energy consumption.
Phyo Phyu Noe, president and chief executive officer of Pepsi Philippines, said on Wednesday (Dec. 3) they are installing 8.34 megawatts of solar capacity, which is enough to cover 14 percent of Pepsi Philippines’ total power consumption.
The PCPPI is looking at about 30 percent reduction in the use of grid electricity by tapping solar power renewable energy.
“Fourteen percent across 11 industrial plants is not a slogan. It is real engineering, real investment, and real commitment,” Noe said in his speech during the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and launching of PCPPI rooftop solar panel project at the Bacolod PCPPI plant.
He explained that they are not doing it to look modern, for awards, or because it is fashionable.
The PCPPI tapped EEI Power Corp. in the installation of solar panels in all its manufacturing plants across the country.
Andrew Zapanta, EEI Power Corp. assistant vice president and business unit head for solar, said that by harnessing solar energy, Pepsi Cola Products will significantly reduce its dependence on traditional power sources, leading to lower electricity costs and improved operational efficiency.
He added that equally important are the environmental benefits as solar photovoltaic plant will reduce carbon emissions, minimize reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to cleaner air for the communities being served by PCPPI.
The solar panels rising across the country are the first step in a large transformation toward cleaner operations, more resilient plants, and a company that honors its obligations to the environment, communities and future generations, he further said. | GB
