Vivant Energy to build 173-MW hybrid solar plant in Iloilo

Vivant Energy Corp. (VEC) is planning to spend P6.23 billion to construct a hybrid solar farm in Iloilo province.

In a document submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, its subsidiary Vivant Solenergy Anilao Corp. (VSAC) said the proposed project involves the development of a 173.1-megawatt (MW) solar plant.

The solar facility, which will be constructed in the municipality of Anilao in Iloilo, will also have a 99-MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

The company said investing in BESS would complement the solar build-out as the technology allows producers to store excess electricity and only release it when the demand spikes.

“This supports grid stability, load balancing, ramp-rate control and short-term reserves, making the plant more reliable and responsive to the dynamic requirements of the Visayas grid,” VSAC said.

“The hybrid configuration aligns with the Department of Energy’s push for renewable energy systems that provide flexibility, system resilience and improved power quality—significantly elevating the project’s contribution to regional and national energy security,” it added.

Operational by Q4 2027

It said the environmental impact assessment is expected to be finished by June this year. Once it secures the environmental compliance certificate, construction works are eyed for 12 months.

The commercial operations are targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027.

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The multibillion-peso hybrid project is part of VEC’s goal of scaling up its renewable energy capacity to 1,000 MW by 2030.

VEC, under Cebu-based listed conglomerate Vivant Corp., has operations in power generation, distribution and retail supply.

Earlier this month, the group secured a 15-year supply deal with the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative, covering a guaranteed dependable capacity ranging from 5 MW to 11 MW.

The contracted capacity is intended to serve the energy requirements of the island, including Larena, Lazi, Maria, San Juan, Enrique Villanueva and Siquijor.