MANILA — Zambales is emerging as one of the Philippines’ largest renewable energy hubs as ACEN advances nearly 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar capacity in the province, supported by large-scale battery storage and transmission infrastructure aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on July 27, the Ayala-led energy company said its Zambales portfolio comprises the 585-megawatt (MW) SanMar Solar project and the 363-MW Palauig Solar project, for a combined 948 MW of installed solar capacity.

About 450 MW of the portfolio is already operational, while the remaining capacity is under construction and expected to be completed by 2027.

To improve the reliability of its renewable energy assets, ACEN has also begun constructing 1,660 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage systems (BESS) across its Zambales solar facilities.

The battery systems will store excess solar power generated during periods of high output and dispatch it during peak demand or when solar generation falls, helping improve grid stability and support the increasing integration of renewable energy into the country’s power system.

Collectively, the solar projects are expected to generate around 1,400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually once fully operational—enough to supply approximately 340,000 households, according to the company.

ACEN has also completed 14 kilometers of transmission infrastructure connecting the projects to the Luzon grid, with another 22 kilometers under construction to accommodate additional renewable energy capacity.

The company said around 80% of the workforce for the Zambales projects came from surrounding communities, with the majority belonging to the Ayta indigenous people’s community. It also built about six kilometers of roads and bridges to improve access to schools, hospitals and markets in remote areas.

“At ACEN, we believe renewable energy projects should create value far beyond the electricity they generate,” said Miguel de Jesus, Managing Director and COO for Philippine Development and Operations.

“In Zambales, we are not only building one of the country’s largest renewable energy hubs—we are investing in infrastructure, creating local jobs, supporting indigenous communities, and strengthening the country’s long-term energy security,” he added.

Once fully operational, ACEN said the Zambales projects are expected to avoid around 800,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to taking about 175,000 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road each year. – Power Philippines

COVER PHOTO: SanMar solar farm in San Marcelino, Zambales (Raffy Tima via San Marcelino PIO)