ABB partners Solar Philippines on 63.3 MW solar plant project

SWISS engineering group ABB has partnered with Solar Philippines on a 63.3 MW solar plant project, the technological company said on Monday (Nov 29).

At 93.3 ha, the plant - Calatagan Solar Farm located in Batangas in Luzon, Philippines - is one of the largest solar farms on the island.

It provides electricity for 6 municipalities in West Batangas bringing electricity to more than 413,000 people, said ABB in a press statement.

For the project, ABB provided the core Electrical Balance of Plant equipment, from the solar panel to grid connection.

It said that the "pre-engineered, pre-designed integrated 'plug and play' solution" provided to Solar Philippines reduced on-site installation time and minimised site works, providing a clear return on investment.

The solar plant project was made possible with the help of the Philippine government's Feed-In Tariff scheme, a programme which allocates preferential rates for the first 500 MW solar sites that will be operational before a set deadline.

ABB said that the Philippine government had anticipated that the country had a potential solar generating capacity of 4.5 to 5.5 kWh per sq m per day, making it ideal for solar power facilities like the Calatagan Solar Farm.

Olivier Coquerel, ABB's country managing director, said the scope of solar power is greater than the aspirational target of 1,528 MW outlined in the Philippine government's National Renewable Energy Plan for 2030.

"The cost of solar continues to get more affordable, which is good news for the local community and increasing the use of renewables will create much needed jobs," he added.

ABB said in its statement that in partnership with Solar Philippines, the solar initiative will help country-wide efforts to shape a more sustainable future for the Philippines, particularly for local power and energy consumption.