AppleOne Group, a property developer based in Cebu, has entered the renewable energy sector with the launch of Astronergy, a new subsidiary focused on renewable power.
The move marks AppleOne’s first major foray into the energy sector. The company, with over 15 years of experience in property development, said the initiative supports local infrastructure and addresses the country’s growing energy needs.
Astronergy has developed its inaugural solar farm in Zamboanga del Norte province. The facility, spanning about 23 hectares and equipped with 10,000 solar panels, is projected to generate up to 7 megawatts (MW) of direct current power in its initial phase.
The solar farm will supply the local grid through an existing power purchase agreement with Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. (ZANECO), the region’s electric cooperative.
Currently undergoing testing and commissioning, the facility is expected to be fully operational by September 2025. AppleOne has long-term plans to expand the plant’s capacity to 25 MW in future phases.
“We’ve always been deliberate in where we grow the business,” said AppleOne Group president and chief executive Ray Manigsaca.
“Energy is a natural next step for us. We saw an opportunity to add value to our communities and support the country’s energy transition,” he said.
AppleOne’s entry into the energy sector comes as the Philippine government accelerates efforts to enhance energy self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported fuels. A recent study by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) emphasized the importance of expanding local and renewable sources to ensure long-term energy affordability and reliability.
AppleOne’s investment contributes to the Philippines’ shift toward local energy solutions. By introducing new renewable power into the grid through its agreement with ZANECO, the project aims to bolster energy stability in Mindanao and contribute to the region’s broader development goals.
“We want the impact to be felt where it matters most. Reliable power makes a difference in how communities grow, how businesses run, and how people live. That’s the kind of work we want to be part of,” Manigsaca said.
Zamboanga del Norte was selected for the solar farm’s location due to its access to land, connectivity to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) grid, and potential for scalability. Astronergy’s location positions it to serve not only Mindanao but also other regions like the Visayas as capacity increases.
While the solar plant currently operates under an agreement with a single electric cooperative, AppleOne is exploring future joint ventures, including potential partnerships with foreign entities, to accelerate growth and expand Astronergy’s footprint.
