ACEN Corp., the renewable energy arm of Ayala Corporation, has announced a major investment aimed at strengthening clean energy infrastructure in the Philippines. The company plans to invest about P15.8 billion to develop a large battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 2,000 megawatt-hours at its solar park in Zambales. The project is expected to significantly enhance the reliability and stability of electricity generated at the company’s San Marcelino solar facility, currently the largest solar farm in the country.
The San Marcelino solar park has an installed capacity of 585 megawatts and can supply electricity to more than 120,000 households. However, like most solar power facilities, its generation depends on sunlight and varies throughout the day. To address this challenge, ACEN plans to integrate a large-scale battery storage system that can store excess electricity produced during peak sunlight hours. This stored energy can then be released to the power grid during the evening, at night, or when solar generation drops due to weather conditions.
Energy storage systems are increasingly becoming essential components of renewable energy projects because they help balance supply and demand while supporting grid stability. By storing surplus solar power and dispatching it when needed, the battery system will help ensure a more consistent and reliable flow of renewable electricity.
According to project documents submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, construction of the battery storage facility is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, subject to securing all required regulatory approvals and permits from government authorities. The company plans to complete construction by the end of 2027, with the system expected to be fully operational and commissioned by early 2028.
The Zambales battery storage project is part of ACEN’s broader expansion strategy in renewable energy. For 2026, the company has allocated more than P80 billion for capital expenditures, representing a significant increase compared to the P55 billion invested in the previous year. Around 75 percent of this budget will be directed toward projects within the Philippines as the company continues to expand its domestic renewable energy portfolio.
ACEN is targeting a total operational capacity of 5,000 megawatts by the end of this year. The company currently manages a diversified renewable energy portfolio of around 7,000 megawatts across various stages of development and operation, including solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies.
ACEN President and CEO Eric Francia highlighted that energy storage will play a vital role in the company’s long-term strategy. As ACEN continues to expand renewable energy projects both in the Philippines and overseas, integrating battery storage systems will help ensure that clean energy remains a reliable and stable source of power for the national electricity grid.
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