The Philippines has officially launched its first agrivoltaic project, which combines a solar power capacity of 197 MW with a 320 MWh energy storage system. Situated in Batangas, this initiative allows for agricultural activities to take place beneath solar panels, helping to optimize land usage and boost farmers’ earnings. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the country’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation, responsible for the project, aims to develop 5 GW of clean energy by 2030, supporting the national target of achieving a 50% renewable energy share.
During the inauguration, President Marcos highlighted the significance of the Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plant, which encompasses both the Lumbangan and Luntal Power Projects. This facility is expected to generate clean energy sufficient for approximately 158,000 households, showcasing a forward-looking approach to energy and agriculture. The integration of agricultural practices beneath the solar arrays demonstrates a commitment to enhancing food security and increasing farmers’ incomes by reducing competition for land resources.
Citicore’s ambitious plans include achieving 5 GW of renewable energy capacity over the next five years, aligning with the country’s objective of substantially increasing the contribution of renewable sources in the energy mix by 2040. Last year, in April 2024, Citicore secured PHP 9 billion through debt financing from RCBC, a move that will support their initiatives to develop up to 1 GW of solar capacity in various regions, including Batangas, Pampanga, and Negros Occidental.