Northern Sun Radiance Inc. (NSRI) plans to construct an 188.6-megawatt floating solar power plant in Mapanuepe Lake in Zambales province, with construction set to begin in the third quarter of 2026.
NSRI, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Renewables Inc., submitted the project proposal to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The 8.4 billionproject is expected to begin commercial operations by the third quarter of 2028.
The proposed plant will occupy 228.4 hectares of Mapanuepe Lake. NSRI has entered into a lease agreement with the San Marcelino municipal government for the use of the lake and the development of the facility.
“The proposed floating solar power plant will help augment the demand for reliable and affordable power supply,” the company said. “The proposed power plant will not only supply enough electricity to Filipino households and businesses but will also contribute to national development.”
NSRI said the site was selected based on technical and environmental considerations, noting the absence of critical habitats and the site’s proximity to a power tapping point.
The Department of Energy granted a 25-year solar energy operating contract (SEOC) to PV Sinag Power Inc. on Jan. 20, 2022. PV Sinag reassigned the contract to NSRI on Nov. 30, 2023.
The DENR has scheduled a public hearing for the project’s environmental impact statement on March 4 at the Barangay Buhawen covered court in San Marcelino.
