Raslag explores new renewable energy tech
Raslag Corp., a solar power plant developer, is on the lookout for new technologies as it eyes a more active participation in the government’s green energy auction program (GEAP).
Robert Nepomuceno, president and CEO of Raslag, said the group was already marking its entry into wind energy, although the focus is on the development of onshore wind parks.
In January, the firm signed a deal with Verdant Philippines Alpha Pte. Ltd. for the acquisition of wind assets in Oriental Mindoro.
“We’re not interested in offshore wind because of the long period of returns and the high cost. So we’re looking at onshore wind,” he said.
Nepomuceno talked to reporters at the Philippine Stock Exchange Strengthening Access and Reach (PSE STAR) investor briefing in the previous week.
Raslag develops, owns and operates utility-scale solar farms. Its total installed capacity stood at 77.8 megawatts (MW) from four facilities in Pampanga.
Officials said the company’s Raslag Liwayway project in Nueva Ecija may be up and running by 2028.
“We’re still in the process of having the lands converted and getting the necessary permits from the Department of Energy. So we’re still looking at the timeline of about 2028 for its commercial operations,” said Raslag CFO Karl Geo Origeneza.
Raslag Liwayway is set to be the group’s biggest power plant, with about 100 MW of power-generating capacity.
Aside from building large solar power plants, Nepomuceno also hinted at the possibility of investing in solar power on stilts.
This technology uses solar panels elevated on a concrete structure, allowing aquaculture and the cultivation of aquatic species.
“And we plan to join some GEA (green energy auctions) in the future,” he said.
The government’s GEAP is meant to entice more investments in clean power assets. It hopes to support the country’s goal of increasing renewables’ share in the electricity generation mix from the current 25 percent to 35 percent by 2030.
