SunAsia Energy bags solar deals
By Lenie Lectura – June 24, 2024
from Business Mirror
The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a total of 10 solar energy operating contracts (SEOC) to SunAsia Energy Inc., paving the way for the development of floating solar projects with its partner Blueleaf Energy Philippines.
These 25-year SEOC have a combined capacity of 1,318 megawatts (MW) spread across Laguna de Bay.
Tetchi Capellan, President and CEO of SunAsia Energy, expressed the company’s readiness to spearhead the world’s largest floating solar project. Construction will start next year, and commercial operations will start in 2026.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to clean energy goals. It’s not just about harnessing solar power; it’s about creating sustainable job opportunities, boosting the small-medium enterprise thru tourism, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Capellan said.`
Locals were hired to build and maintain the said pilot project. Their work includes cleaning of solar panels and removal of water lilies. SunAsia is developing the livelihood program wherein these water lilies will be utilized for a community handicraft industry.
Last week, Blueleaf Energy Philippines and its partners announced that they intend to build 1.5 gigawatts (GW), or 1,500 megawatts (MW), of floating solar projects in Laguna which would cost $1.5 billion.
Also, Blueleaf and SunAsia Energy, Inc. will develop a 1.3GW floating solar facility in Laguna Lake.
In August 2023, Laguna Lake Development Authority and the partners signed a Renewable Energy Contract Area Utilization Agreement for the 10 blocks of hundred hectares each in Laguna Lake. The project will span the towns of Cabuyao, Sta. Rosa, Calamba, Victoria, and Bay.
NKS Solar One Inc., the joint venture between Blueleaf and NKS Energy Utilities, Inc., is targeting to put up a 250MW floating solar project in Caliraya and Lumot Lakes in Laguna.
This is expected to be the first utility-scale floating solar project in the country. Construction will start in the fourth quarter this year while commercial operation is targeted in the first quarter of 2026.
