JG Summit Holdings Inc.’s renewable energy arm Merbau Corp. announced Tuesday it is set to start commercial operations after completing the construction of its 13.811-megawatts (MW) solar energy project, one of the largest solar rooftop installations in the country.
Merbau said the solar project in Barangays Simlong and Pinamucan Ibaba, Batangas City highlights the Gokongwei Group’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
“This milestone marks a significant step in our journey as we aim to become a leading renewable energy company in the country,” said Merbau president and chief executive Patrick Henry Go in a statement.
The solar project will provide a significant portion of the energy requirements of the fully-integrated petrochemical complex of JG Summit which houses JG Summit Olefins Corp. (JGSOC) manufacturing plants and the packaging division of Universal Robina Corp. (URC).
It is expected to result in significant reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the use of renewable energy sources and generate an estimated energy savings of 17.8 gigawatt-hours annually.
The company projected GHG emissions reduction of 17,000 tons annually from both JGSOC and URC warehouses and building offices within the petrochemical complex.
The project completion involves the collaboration and close partnership between Merbau and its engineering, procurement and construction contractor Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP), one of the leading players for commercial and industrial solar rooftop, utility-scale solar and wind projects in the country.
“The project reinforces UGEP’s commitment as a leading player in the country’s energy transition goals and demonstrates our dedication to driving sustainable solutions and contributing to a greener future,” said UGEP president and chief executive Ruth Yu-Owen.
Construction of the solar project, which covered the rooftops of nine buildings, commenced in August 2022. The project was rolled out in two phases.