GBP starts solar plant construction in Rizal
By Jordeene B. Lagare – July 10, 2021
from The Manila Times
Global Business Power Corp. (GBP), through subsidiary PH Renewables, Inc. (PHRI), started the construction of its 115-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Baras, Rizal.
The solar facility, located within a 135-hectare area inside the Philippine Communications Satellite Corp.‘s (Philcomsat) grounds, is expected to commence commercial operations in 2022.
The groundbreaking of this solar power plant marks GBP’s foray into the renewable energy market.
“We have worked together with our partners to aid the growing demand for cleaner and affordable power supply. In response to the government’s push for renewable energy, we have persevered to finally commence construction of this timely project to fuel the nation’s progress,” said GBP President Jaime Azurin during the ceremony.
“Although the journey towards this day has been extra challenging because of the global pandemic and movement restrictions, we remain in high spirits and committed to commence operations in 2022, in time for post-pandemic recovery,” he added.
China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co., Solenergy Systems and China Energy Engineering Co., Ltd. were commissioned to provide the design, engineering, procurement and construction of the plant facility.
GBP is wholly owned by Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), which in turn is the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co.
GBP’s entry into the renewables space is aligned with Meralco’s long-term sustainability agenda, which includes renewable energy project development and sourcing.
“We aim to transition to cleaner fuel sources by obtaining 1,500 MW of our power requirements from renewable energy in the next five years,” Meralco President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Espinosa said.
Through MGen, the power company is targeting to build a 1,500-MW renewable energy portfolio through 2027 as part of its commitment to help ensure energy security through clean, cost-competitive and sustainable power.
GBP, with a total gross capacity of 1,091 MW, has diversified power generation facilities in the Visayas and Mindanao, which are capable of supplying base, intermediate, peak load and ancillary support.
