41-MW solar plant starts operations in Bataan

A new 41.92-megawatt (MW) solar energy project in Samal, Bataan officially began commissioning this week, marking another milestone in the country’s shift toward clean and renewable power.

Developed by Samal Solar Renewable Energy Corp. (SSREC), a subsidiary of Tigon Power Corp., the Samal Solar Energy Project is now connected to the Luzon grid, delivering sustainable electricity and supporting national energy goals.

The Department of Energy (DOE), which joined the commissioning ceremony on July 1, 2025, emphasized the significance of the project in meeting the government’s target of 35 percent renewable energy in the power mix by 2030.

“This solar project is a testament to the transformative power of renewable energy,” said DOE Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol. “It not only provides clean power but also fuels local development through employment and capacity building.”

The solar plant’s construction began in 2024 and created jobs for over 1,000 workers. It is also expected to generate long-term employment through operations, maintenance, and technical support roles. Local training programs supported by academic institutions and the municipal government aim to build a skilled workforce in the area.

Communities in Barangays Gugo and San Juan, which host the project, are expected to benefit from the economic and environmental impacts of the development, including increased revenues and infrastructure support through the government’s renewable energy benefit-sharing policies.

As of April 2025, the DOE reported 1,392 active renewable energy contracts in the Philippines, with a total installed capacity of 7.05 gigawatts. Of these, solar energy accounted for 2.56 gigawatts across 515 contracts.

The Samal project contributes to the ongoing expansion of the country’s clean energy portfolio and reflects a growing public-private effort to meet future energy demand sustainably.