Leading building solutions provider Holcim Philippines Inc. said Friday it signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Blueleaf Energy to deliver solar power to its plants in Bulacan and La Union provinces as part of efforts to improve sustainability performance.
Under the agreement, Blueleaf Energy will finance, build, operate and maintain solar energy facilities in Norzagaray, Bulacan and Bacnotan, La Union with a combined capacity of 29 megawatt peak and an annual generation of more than 50 gigawatt-hours (that will supply up to 15 percent of the energy requirements of Holcim Philippines’ plants in the said areas.
The solar energy facilities are scheduled to be completed by 2024.
“Reducing the carbon footprint of our operations is one of our key sustainability commitments. This year, we have made great progress by stepping up production of blended cements and replacing coal with alternative fuels. Shifting to renewable solar energy will help us further improve as an environment steward and a partner in building progress in the country sustainably,” said Holcim Philippines president and chief executive Horia Adrian in a statement.
The partnership is projected to significantly reduce the company’s power costs and carbon footprint and marks Holcim Philippines’ transition to sustainable cleaner energy for cement production.
Manufacturing cement is energy-intensive so the shift to renewable power enables Holcim Philippines to conserve natural resources and reduce CO2 emissions.
“We are pleased to continue to build our strong track record in delivering world-class clean energy solutions in the region and supporting large multinational companies like Holcim,” said Blueleaf Energy chief executive Raghuram Natarajan.
Blueleaf Energy is a portfolio company owned by Macquarie’s Green Investment Group.
“With our credentials of developing and operating over two gigawatts of projects, of which more than 250 MW in the Philippines, this partnership also underscores our strong capability to support corporates in Asia in achieving their clean energy ambitions,” said Natarajan.
Holcim Philippines’ cement manufacturing facilities are located in La Union, Bulacan, Batangas, Misamis Oriental and Davao. It is a member of the Holcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry which present in 80 countries with over 70,000 employees.