The Department of Energy and Energy Regulatory Commission lauded the Merbau energy facility of conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc. in Batangas City, a 13.811-megawatt roof-mounted solar power project, considered as the biggest consumer-driven installation in the country.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla expressed his appreciation for Merbau’s new renewable energy project and recognized the company’s contribution to providing more RE solutions.
“This will not only result in cost savings and a lower carbon footprint but also encourages the construction of more RE resources consistent with the government’s policy on energy diversification and clean energy future,” Lotilla said in a statement last week.
DOE Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol commended Merbau and JG Summit for the successful completion of the project.
“Transitioning to a green and sustainable economy requires pragmatic energy planning with bold actions and this project manifests Merbau’s commitment towards attaining its sustainable energy goals,” Capongco said.
Merbau, JG Summit’s RE arm, completed installation of the nine roof-mounted solar project on its integrated petrochemical complex, which houses JG Summit Olefins Corp. and the manufacturing plants of Universal Robina Corp.
Generating significant energy for the complex located in Barangays Simlong and Pinamucan Ibaba, Batangas City, the solar installation aims to reduce power consumption sourced from both in-house and from the national grid, and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of the complex.
“This milestone marks a significant step in our journey as we aim to become a leading renewable energy company in the country,” said Merbau president and chief executive Patrick Henry Go. Alena Mae S. Flores
“Aside from our Group, we are expanding our RE portfolio outside the Gokongwei Group as part of our solid commitment to delivering sustainable and innovative energy solutions to eligible end-users in our drive to contribute to a greener future,” said Go.
ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta also recognized Merbau’s solar project and encouraged other large commercial and industrial consumers to pursue RE solutions.
“This pioneering effort will help boost the country’s efforts to achieve energy security, while enabling this integrated petrochemical complex to shift towards cleaner sources of energy,” she said.
The successful completion of the inaugural solar energy project highlighted the collaboration and close partnership between Merbau and its engineering, procurement and construction contractor Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP), one of the leading players on commercial and industrial solar rooftop, utility-scale solar and wind in the Philippines.
The completion of the solar project cemented Merbau’s capability and strong partnerships to deliver successful renewal energy solutions.
Go said Merbau is pursuing a portfolio of projects within the Gokongwei Group, including its partnership with Cebu Pacific, Robinsons Land Corp. for its malls and industrial warehouses and URC for its manufacturing plants and distribution channels.