Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) said Tuesday it energized its 69-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power plant in Negros Occidental, boosting supply for the Visayas grid during the dry season.
“Delivering this project ahead of the summer peak demonstrates our ability to provide dependable capacity when the system needs it most,” said Oliver Tan, CREC president and chief executive. “As one of our largest solar plants in Visayas to date, it demonstrates that our growth strategy extends beyond Luzon and is anchored in strengthening energy security in the Visayas.”
The energization is part of CREC’s 5-gigawatt in 5 years roadmap, aimed at supporting the government’s clean energy transition.
The project spans 69 hectares in Barangay Eustaquio Lopez, Silay City, and is designed for future expansion to a 100-MWp total capacity. The project was developed under the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) 2.
“This is our sixth out of 12 GEA-2 projects energized,” Tan said. “Another four plants are ready for energization by April, with the last two to be energized in the next couple of months, completing all GEA-2 projects we’ve won.”
CREC will also implement its “AgroSolar” initiative at the facility, using the land beneath the solar panels to grow high-value crops. The company said the initiative supports food security and provides livelihoods for local farmers while maintaining the land’s agricultural use.
The new facility complements CREC’s existing 25-MWp Negros Occidental 1 solar project.
“Negros Occidental has long been both an agricultural heartland and a renewable energy hub,” Tan said. “By pairing solar generation with crop production, we demonstrate how energy infrastructure can coexist with agriculture.”
