Philippines Launches First Hybrid Solar and Battery Storage Plant in Batangas

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), led by Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan and Commissioner Atty. Floresinda G. Baldo-Digal, witnessed the historic launch of the country’s first hybrid solar and baseload Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at CS Batangas 1.

The project, developed by Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC), was officially inaugurated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Tuy, Batangas. CS Batangas 1 integrates a 197-megawatt (MW) solar power facility with a 320-megawatt-hour (MWh) BESS, marking a significant milestone in the Philippines’ renewable energy transition.

The hybrid plant is expected to provide a stable and continuous supply of electricity to homes and businesses across Batangas and other parts of Luzon. By combining solar generation with energy storage, the facility ensures uninterrupted power supply even when sunlight is unavailable, effectively allowing solar energy to function as baseload power.

“This project proves that renewable sources like solar can be relied upon as a constant energy provider,” a spokesperson from ERC remarked. The launch underscores the government’s commitment to advancing cleaner and more reliable energy solutions amid the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on traditional power sources.

As the Philippines continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, CS Batangas 1 stands as a landmark achievement that demonstrates how innovative technologies can support sustainable development and energy security.