APOLAKI SEVEN, Inc., a subsidiary of German renewable energy developer ib vogt GmbH, has successfully energized the first phase of its solar power project in South Cotabato, Mindanao. The development is expected to supply electricity to approximately 68,000 households once fully operational.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that Phase 1 of the Tantangan Solar Power Project carries an installed capacity of 74.5 megawatts-peak (MWp). The project is on track for full completion in October.

The ground-mounted solar facility is currently 97.3% complete and is being developed in two phases. It will be complemented by a battery energy storage system (BESS) featuring a 4-megawatt output and a 16-megawatt-hour storage capacity.

Once fully operational, the solar project is projected to generate 163 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually. It is also expected to avoid approximately 113,950 metric tons of carbon emissions each year.

"By bringing utility-scale solar generation to Mindanao, this plant strengthens the reliability and diversity of the island's power supply," Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

Ms. Garin noted that projects such as the Tantangan solar facility would help reduce the country's dependence on imported energy sources, particularly in light of developments in the Middle East that could affect global energy markets.

"This is what happens when the government creates the right policy environment and the private sector steps up with capital, vision, and execution. This is how we scale the energy transition across our archipelago," she added.

The Philippines has set a target of achieving a 35% renewable energy share in its power generation mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040 under the National Renewable Energy Program. The entry of foreign developers such as ib vogt into utility-scale solar has been facilitated by a 2022 policy change allowing full foreign ownership of renewable energy projects, reversing earlier restrictions under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

ib vogt GmbH is a Berlin-based renewable energy company specializing in the development and delivery of utility-scale turnkey photovoltaic power plants. The company currently operates 22.5 MWp of solar capacity in the Philippines.

The Tantangan Solar Power Project represents one of several renewable energy initiatives advancing in Mindanao as the Philippines seeks to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports. The DOE has been promoting increased private-sector investment in clean energy infrastructure to support the country's growing electricity demand.

— Sheldeen Joy Talavera