975 MW of solar and wind planned in the Philippines

The Aboitiz Power Corporation (Aboitiz Power) in the Philippines plans to construct close to 1000 megawatt (MW) solar and wind energy facilities in the Philippine province of Pangasinan.

Aboitiz Power senior vice president for operations and maintenance Chris Faelnar said residents of Aguilar, Bugallon, San Manuel, Labrador, Mangatarem, Infanta, and Mabini towns will benefit from 650 MW solar electricity and 325 MW wind electricity, a total of 975 megawatts (MW).

Aboitiz Power is planning to invest close to PHP34 billion (US$671 million) in the development of these renewable projects. The company targets to start the construction at the end of the year or early next year after studying the potential of wind capacity in the strategized sites and if they complete the necessary permits needed because the project sites are mostly public and forest lands.

The company has entered into an agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources regarding the public and forest land the projects will traverse.

Aboitiz Power assures the local government of Pangasinan that the company's priority is to hire locals of the province for the development of the project. Thousands of people are expected to be employed once the construction of the facilities begins.