US firm eyes $200-M Apeco hydrogen energy investment

A US-based clean energy firm is lining up a $200-million investment in the Aurora Pacific Economic and Freeport Zone (Apeco), which is expected to strengthen energy resilience within the area.

Apeco signed on Jan. 17 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Maryland-based Ally Power Inc. to explore the construction of a 128-megawatt hydrogen energy facility in a 20-hectare portion of its Casiguran site.

This deal is expected to address energy woes in Casiguran, which has experienced significant power blackouts in the past, especially during typhoons, due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

“The proposed project is being considered as part of broader efforts to address Aurora’s power challenges and improve the province’s long-term energy reliability, which is seen as critical in attracting new investments and supporting ecozone development,” Apeco president and CEO Gil Taway IV said on Monday.

Taway signed the memorandum with Ed Travis, head of business development in Asia at Ally Power.

Under the deal, Apeco and Ally Power will conduct technical evaluation, coordination and planning for clean energy, power generation and other infrastructure projects within the ecozone.

Ally Power will lead the technical and investment studies for the potential projects, while Apeco will support the project through coordination and by providing a site for the project.

While the new deal has yet to cover the specifics of the planned project, Apeco vowed it would comply with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and relevant Energy Regulatory Commission rules.

Center of excellence

“We at Ally Power are thrilled to play our part in the development of Aurora Province, and especially with the development of Apeco,” Travis said. “We hope to work with stakeholders here to not only build infrastructure, but also to build great jobs and contribute to academic programs for the future of our young people as well.”

Apart from the planned hydrogen power project, Apeco said Ally Power also plans to establish a Clean Energy Center of Excellence at the Aurora State College of Technology.

Ally Power’s planned investment is expected to bolster Apeco’s already robust pipeline of investments across the clean and traditional energy sectors.

Singapore-based energy firm Pacific Impact Development Corp. is developing a 16-megawatt renewable energy facility, while its power purchase agreement with the Aurora Electric Cooperative is still awaiting approval from the board.

In August 2025, Apeco also partnered with the National Electrification Administration to build a P290-million underground power distribution project in Casiguran.