Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp. (Miescor) said Friday it teamed up with South Korea’s SeoChang Electric Communication Co. Ltd. to launch an innovative and sustainable on-grid hybrid power solution for a Gawad Kalinga community in Cavite province.
The recently-inaugurated project in Barangay Hugo Perez, Trece Martires City features a 50-kilowatt peak solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a 300-kilowatt-hour energy storage system (ESS) and three electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Miescor president and chief executive Richard Ochava said in a statement the project offers a unique approach to sustainable power service. The company is a subsidiary of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s biggest power retailer.
“Our one-of-a-kind facility creatively promotes the sustainable use of power to bring light to our communities,” Ochava said.
SeoChang specializes in innovative products such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and ESS construction. Miescor spearheaded the engineering, procurement and construction services for the landmark and groundbreaking facility.
The collaboration underscores Meralco’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, driven by its sustainability agenda called “Powering the Good Life”.
Other South Korean entities, including PMGROW Corp., Korea Testing Laboratory and Korea Energy Convergence Association, also contributed to the successful implementation of the project.
The project is set to power vital community infrastructure such as streetlights, multi-purpose halls and development centers.
It will serve as a crucial energy hub for electric cars, electric jeepneys and electric tricycles and will leverage on used EV batteries to optimize energy distribution, including ensuring clean and reliable electricity for the community.
SeoChang president and chief executive Yoon Sung-Hee expressed enthusiasm for the project’s impact to the community, emphasizing its role in pioneering sustainable energy solutions in the Philippines.
“We are thrilled to introduce our sustainable ESS solution to this community. Today marks not only the completion of a project but also a new beginning for the ESS industry in the Philippines,” Yoon said during the inauguration ceremony.
Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond Ravelo said the project showcases the convergence of innovation and sustainability—with solar panels, energy storage systems, and EV charging stations integrated into one facility.
“Through this project, we are not only contributing to the preservation of the planet but also enabling better lives for underserved communities,” Ravelo said.
Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz, meanwhile, said the move is part of the company’s continuous efforts to harness new technologies for sustainable development.
“The fruition of this project signifies our commitment to partnering with like-minded organizations in creating sustainable energy solutions for the communities we serve,” Geluz said.
Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said the project has an integral role in the company’s mission to drive transformative change.
“Projects like this are a testament to Meralco’s dedication to building a sustainable energy network and empowering communities within and beyond our service area,” Aperocho said.