PGEC to begin construction of Bohol solar farm

MANILA, Philippines — Yuchengco-led PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) is set to start the construction of its  first solar project in Bohol early next year after completing site development works.

PGEC said its contractor has completed all major site development works for its 27-megawatt direct current (MWdc) Dagohoy solar power project, currently the first large utility-scale solar power project under development in Bohol.

The major site development works were finished prior to the installation of the solar panels and major electrical facilities.

“By the second week of January 2024, our major contractors – Global Electric for the solar farm construction and Philcantech Enterprises for the electrical and grid connection – should be ready to start the power plant construction,” PGEC vice president for commercial operations Maria Victoria Olivar said.

“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this progress should allow PGEC to meet our commitment to the Department of Energy and to our offtaker SN Aboitiz Power,” she said.

The P1.2 billion solar facility will boost indigenous power supply in Bohol which has been dependent on imported power supply from Leyte and Cebu, once operational.

“The municipality of Dagohoy is really blessed to be the site of the first large solar farm in Bohol. This is a game-changer that will help our municipality transition from a fourth class to a third or even second-class municipality and will improve the living condition of our people,” Dagohoy mayor Hermie Relampagos said.

PGEC is a joint-venture between  Yuchengco Group of Companies affiliate PetroEnergy Resources Corp.(PERC)  and Kyuden International Corp., the overseas investment arm of Kyushu Electric Power Co.

PERC is engaged in renewable energy through PGEC which owns and runs power stations utilizing geothermal, wind, and solar energy.

PGEC is also poised to commence development of its 25-MWdc solar power project in Pangasinan early next year after recently securing full support from local government units.

The LGU of Bugallon, Pangasinan and the Sangguniang Bayan have issued the project’s locational clearance to PGEC.

The company expects corresponding pre-construction building permit to be issued in time for the target start of development in January 2024.

PGEC’s Bugallon solar power project will be located in a 25-hectare site in Brgy. Salomague Sur, Bugallon, Pangasinan.

It is expected to supply clean and renewable power in the area by the last quarter of 2024.