First Gen starts work on P2.1-B solar project

First Gen Corp. has begun developing its P2.1-billion solar plant in Batangas, marking the group’s first utility-sized solar project as it pushes more renewables besides geothermal.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the 54-megawatt (MW) Inara Solar Power Plant in Tanauan City was attended by top executives of the company as well as local leaders, including Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto.

The facility is set to sit on a 36-hectare property in the province.

Although the current target capacity is over 50 MW, First Gen said the project would eventually be expanded to 100 MW. The solar farm will also be equipped with a battery energy storage system.

“Solar brings accessibility, scalability and abundance—allowing clean energy to be deployed more rapidly and across many locations. Through this project, we aim to expand renewable energy in a way that continues to create opportunities for both communities and industries,” Puno said.

First Gen not only plans to provide additional power to the grid, but also co-locate the planting of agricultural crops within the solar photovoltaic energy generation site.

“This [agri-photovoltaics approach] means farmers can continue cultivating crops even as solar panels generate electricity above,” Puno added.

See Also

BIZ BUZZ: DBP, Landbank still say hard pass on merger

“Energy production does not have to displace agriculture; the two can work together, allowing the same land to support both food production and clean energy,” he said.

The renewable energy developer targets to complete the Inara project by the summer of 2027.

Once up and running, a portion of the generated electricity will augment supply for the First Philippine Industrial Park, a sister company of First Gen that operates the 520-hectare economic zone.