BOI green lane for Mabini solar power plant

BY Manila Bulletin – Aug 20, 2024 03:28 PM

The Board of Investments (BOI) has granted its green lane certificate to a ground-mounted solar farm in Mabini, Pangasinan.

In a statement, the BOI said on Tuesday, Aug. 20, that the certification covers the 41.25-hectare Mabini solar power plant project owned by Spotlight Power Inc. (SPI) in Brgy. San Pedro, Mabini, Pangasinan

SPI is backed by Trina Solar Investment PTE. LTD., an investment division of Trina Solar Co. LTD.

According to the BOI, the 49.9-megawatt Mabini solar power plant is expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2026.

“Green Lane is a game changer for renewable energy development. It drives complete transparency and accountability for all the government agencies we rely on to complete our permitting and licensing,” SPI said.

“This government initiative truly delivers on the promise of easing the process of doing business, especially regarding highly complex requirements that are time-sensitive,” the company added.

The issuance of the green lane certificate, along with with the possibility of availing CREATE tax incentives, aims to attract more investments in renewable energy to the Philippines.

Executive Order No. 18, which was issued on Feb. 24 last year, requires the establishment of special channels within government agencies.

The green lanes established within government agencies through the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI) will facilitate the prompt processing of permits and licenses for strategic energy investments in the country.

The OSAC-SI team will work with local authorities in Pangasinan to aid the projects and simplify the procedures for permits and licenses.