Solar-on-water projects will soon rise in the cities of Sagay and Silay in Negros Occidental, following the recent signing of an investment agreement between SunAsia Energy Inc. and VinEnergo of Vietnam, the Department of Energy said.
The DOE said June 26 that the partnership is for the development of 422-megawatt peak (MWp) solar-on-water projects in Negros Occidental and Pampanga, a “milestone (that) reflects growing investor confidence in the Philippines’ renewable energy sector and…in advancing energy transition.”
VinEnergo, a leading Vietnamese energy developer, said in a statement June 26 that between 2027 and 2028, the company and SunAsia Energy plan to bring three flagship projects into operation, including in Sagay with installed capacity of 126 MWp, Silay, 115MWp; and Macabebe in Pampanga, 181 MWp.
The three projects, with estimated investment of US$406 million, will utilize solar on stilts technology, SunAsia Energy, a pioneer solar energy developer in the Philippines, said. “Solar panels are elevated on concrete pile structures above water areas, allowing aquaculture and fishpond operations to continue beneath and around the installations.”
SunAsia Energy CEO and president Tetchi Capellan said in the statement that through solar on stilts, “we are not only building renewable energy infrastructure; we are creating a model where food production and clean energy can grow together.”
The projects integrate solar energy with aquaculture, particularly in Negros Occidental and Pampanga, where fishponds and aquaculture communities play an important role in livelihoods and food production, he added.
The two companies said they will work closely on engineering and project development activities, including the selection of maritime engineers, technology providers, and contractors for the installation of close to 700,000 solar panels on stilts, and approximately 62 kilometers of new transmission lines across Negros Occidental and Pampanga.
The projects are expected to supply electricity to around 278,000 households and reduce carbon emissions by more than 460,000 tons annually, equivalent to planting around 21 million trees, VinEnergo said. “The partnership aims to deliver reliable renewable energy to the national grid, while supporting the Philippines’ goals of strengthening energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting local economic development.” ||
