The Board of Investments (BOI) accelerated the development of two major renewable energy projects in Northern Luzon after facilitating their groundbreakings this week.
The two Green Lane-certified projects belong to Vena Group and include the 74.989-megawatt Astra Solar Power Project in Currimao and the 416.025-megawatt-peak Opus Solar Project in Paoay. Officials held the groundbreaking and time capsule laying ceremony for the Astra project on May 5 and the Opus project on May 6.
The BOI utilized its One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments to fast-track permitting, align inter-agency requirements and address processing bottlenecks.
It worked closely with project proponents, national government agencies, local government units and regulatory bodies to enable timely advancement under Executive Order 18, which established the Green Lane for Strategic Investments.
The Astra Solar Power Project covers about 52 hectares in Barangay Paguludan-Salindeg, Currimao, Ilocos Norte. The project adds to the growing renewable energy base of the province.
Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc and Currimao Mayor Edward Quilala attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Vena Group chief operating officer Juan Mas Valor, Vena Energy Philippines country head Samrinder Nehria and Vena Group head of oroject development Mia Jarumayan also represented the project proponents at the event.
