In a bid to further bolster energy infrastructure and security in Cebu, Spanish energy player Acciona Energia has unveiled ambitious plans to erect solar plants in Toledo City and the Municipality of Dumanjug in midwestern and southwestern Cebu respectively.
This was the good news delivered by Ignacio Domecq, Acciona’s business development director for Southeast Asia, in his meeting with Gov. Gwen Garcia on April 26. It was also attended by Ruben Camba, president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, La Camara, and at the same time Acciona’s director of Infrastructure in Southeast Asia.
Fermin Alvarez, general manager of Freya Renewables, a subsidiary of Acciona Energia, presented to Toledo City Mayor Marjorie Perales and Dumanjug Mayor Gungun Gica, who were likewise present, the firm’s proposed expansion projects in their LGUs.
The blueprint entails the construction of a 155.4 MW solar plant in Barangays Calaboon and Camboang in Dumanjug; and a larger 314.5 MW solar facility in Brgy. Canlumampao, Toledo City, underscoring Acciona’s commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure in the region.
The move follows closely on the heels of a recent collaboration between Acciona and the Provincial Government, marked by a public-private partnership (PPP) signed on March 16 for the establishment of a 150-megawatt (MW) solar power facility in Daanbantayan in northern Cebu.
It is notably the country’s first LGU-led PPP on solar power generation.
Both Mayor Perales and Mayor Gica expressed openness to Acciona’s proposal, affirming their respective LGU’s unwavering support for the initiative. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, they pledged to help facilitate discussions with landowners and assist in the acquisition of vital lands for the important project.
Gov. Gwen Garcia reiterated the Provincial Government’s key role as a partner in these ventures. Drawing from the successful negotiations surrounding the Daanbantayan solar plant, Gov. Gwen assured that the Capitol could spearhead talks with landowners to ensure smooth project progress.
The Daanbantayan project serves as a testament to the efficacy of such collaborative efforts, laying a solid foundation for future projects, the governor said.
Acciona Energia is slated to formally present its proposals to the respective legislative bodies of Toledo City and Dumanjug for proper authorization, underscoring the firm’s commitment to transparent engagement and community involvement.
With renewable energy emerging as a foundation of sustainable development, Acciona’s initiatives in Cebu Province are poised to reshape Cebu’s energy landscape, fostering reliable future energy supply that supports Cebu’s continued growth and development all the while mitigating environmental impact. | CL