NLEX Corporation said over the weekend it expects to complete the installation of solar power in 36 more toll plazas of North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway this year.
“Part of our strategic priorities is to continue incorporating renewable energy in our operations. This way, we can drive operational efficiency while being environmentally responsible and creating positive impact for our stakeholders,” said NLEX president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista.
The company is equipping 21 NLEX toll plazas and 15 SCTEX toll plazas with monocrystalline solar panels, which will collect sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells or solar cells.
Areas include Mindanao, Karuhatan, Paso de Blas, Marilao, Ciudad de Victoria/Philippine Arena, Bocaue, Tambubong, Balagtas, Tabang, Sta.Rita, Pulilan, San Simon, San Fernando, Dau, Sta. Ines, Mabiga, Dolores, Clark South, Clark North, Porac, Floridablanca, Dinalupihan, Tipo, SFEX, Concepcion, San Miguel, Hacienda Luisita and Tarlac.
Expected to be completed within this year, the solar power project aims to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to cleaner air along the expressway as well as improve energy efficiency. It is estimated to produce 22,762 kWh of electricity per month at NLEX and 13,961 kWh of electricity per month at SCTEX.
The project is an addition to existing expressway areas that are now solar-powered such as Balintawak Barrier, Bocaue Barrier, Mexico Toll Plaza, Angeles Toll Plaza, San Fernando Southbound Toll Plaza, and Karuhatan Interchange Toll Plaza and Meycauayan Southbound Toll Plaza.
The company has since incorporated sustainable energy through solar-powered closed-circuit television cameras and roadway lighting. It also set up motion-sensor lights in its offices in Caloocan City, Valenzuela City, Bulacan and Pampanga.
NLEX is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.