Minibea Mitsumi to Build P500M Solar Plant in Cebu

Japanese multinational manufacturing company Minibea Mitsumi has unveiled its ambitious plan to build a P500-million solar power plant in its Cebu factory located in Danao City. The announcement came during an online press briefing on Thursday, October 19, marking a significant step toward the company's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

With the construction of this solar power plant, projected to generate 12.8-gigawatt hours per year (Gwh/year), Minibea Mitsumi aims to make a substantial contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 6,833 tons annually. This move not only highlights the company's dedication to sustainability but also positions the Philippines as a key player in the realm of smart and eco-friendly manufacturing and services.

The solar power plant, slated for completion within a year, is expected to cover an extensive area of 6.8 hectares, signifying Minibea Mitsumi's significant investment in renewable energy (RE) operations. The initiative is also anticipated to yield considerable cost savings, with approximately 8 percent of the total power consumption, equivalent to close to P1 billion per year, being allocated to the company's renewable energy endeavors.

Ceferino Rodolfo, the Managing Head of the Board of Investments (BOI), emphasized the pivotal role of this project in advancing the Philippines' status as a sustainable manufacturing hub. Rodolfo highlighted the necessity of enacting policies that address the demands for net-zero carbon emission facilities within supply chains, emphasizing the significance of aligning private sector efforts with market-based tools for fostering sustainable development.

Under the purview of the BOI's recently signed Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2023-006, which provides specific guidelines for registering energy efficiency (EE) projects, the move by Minibea Mitsumi aligns with the broader governmental thrust towards environmentally conscious investments. With the company's robust presence in the Philippines, currently employing 18,500 workers in Danao, Batangas, and Bataan, the venture serves as a testament to the company's commitment to the nation's economic and industrial growth.

Moreover, the investment also underscores Minibea Mitsumi's dedication to fostering local talent and academic development. By collaborating with various universities in Cebu and establishing robotics, moulding technology, and AI laboratories, the company has become a pivotal force in shaping the future of the manufacturing and technology landscape in the country. As Minibea Mitsumi continues to expand its operations and invest in sustainable technologies, it is poised to play an integral role in the nation's journey toward a greener and more sustainable future.