AboitizPower, Engkanto partner for solar project

MANILA, Philippines — Engkanto Brewery has taken a shot at sustainability by partnering with Aboitiz Power Corp. to put up solar panels at its brewing facility in Carmona, Cavite.

AboitizPower Distributed Renewables Inc. (APX), the solutions arm of AboitizPower retail unit AdventEnergy, constructed Engkanto Brewery’s 97.09-kilowatt-peak solar energy system earlier this year.

After the project’s testing and commissioning in the second quarter, the brewery is now operating on clean energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The new solar facility is expected to produce over 130,000 kilowatt hours of clean power in its first year of operation and about 2.6 million kWh over the 20-year contract term with APX.

“Together, we are enhancing operational efficiency and championing sustainability in the craft beer industry,” said James Byron Yu, AdventEnergy first vice president and head of retail.

Engkanto Brewery founder Ian Paradies, for his part, said the partnership with AboitizPower is a crucial step in the company’s mission to “brew quality beers while supporting environmental sustainability.”

“We believe that embracing renewable energy is not only beneficial for the environment but also sets an example for other businesses in the craft beer and manufacturing industries,” Paradies said.

Established in 2017, Engkanto Brewery initially operated in Makati before moving to a larger facility in Cavite, enabling more job opportunities for locals and contributing to the growth of the community.

APX, meanwhile, is engaged in the development and operations of distributed energy resources and facilities, including solar power ventures for medium- and large-scale commercial and industrial partners.