A 200-megawatt project for solar energy is being considered along the vast area of sand dunes in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
The chief operations officer, Francis Sayre of the Sta. Clara Power Corporation (SCPC) said that the proposed solar farm is more than twice as large as the newly-inaugurated Currimao 2 solar project in Barangay Paguludan-Salindeg, which is located adjacent to the town of Currimao.
Sayre stated that based on an initial discussion with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at least 200 hectares of land owned by the government have been identified as being feasible.
We hope you will let us explore and do a feasibility report as we expand our portfolio. Sayre said that the project will hopefully materialize within the next few weeks. He noted that the area of sand dunes in Paoay, which is not included in the tourism masterplan of the province for development, could be the ideal location to harness solar energy.
The company plans to install at least 490,000 panels that can produce 550 watts per panel.
The SCPC is a subsidiary of Sta. Clara Group of Companies is engaged in various solar and hydropower plants in the provinces of Mindoro, Ifugao, and Bohol.
The Philippine government has been pushing for the development of renewable energies, which are now a top priority for many businesses.
Solar farms established in Ilocos Norte in the towns of Currimao, Burgos, and other nearby areas have helped reduce the country’s dependency on fossil fuels. Independent power producers are expected to produce over 250 megawatts.
SCPC, an affiliate of Sta. Clara International Corporation is a dynamic and emerging force in the Philippines’ power sector business. The company develops, owns and operates hydroelectric power facilities strategically located across the country. SCPC possess a portfolio of hydroelectric power Service Contracts in various stages of development.
