Zambales towns to host 3 solar power projects

PALAUIG, Zambales—Three solar power plants, which could generate 135 megawatts, are being built in the province to augment Luzon’s power supply.

Two plants are being built in Barangays Bulawen (50 MW) and Bato (45 MW) of this town while the third plant would rise in Barangay San Juan (40 MW) in Botolan town.

Former Sen. Edgardo Angara, author of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (Republic Act

No. 9513), led the groundbreaking ceremony for the projects on Friday in Bulawen and Bato.

“Solar power is a great source of energy and everyone in the community where a solar power plant is built will benefit from it,” Angara said at the groundbreaking rites.

He said renewable sources of energy, such as solar power, will help “mitigate global warming.”

“Unlike coal-fired power plants that have adverse effects on our environment, solar power plants are safe and easy to construct,” he added.

The three plants are being developed by Solar Power Utilities Generator Corp., with Schema Konsult Inc. providing engineering, procurement and construction services. Both firms are engaged in solar technology in the Philippines.

Rene Relampagos, executive vice president of Schema Konsult Inc., said Thailand-based firms Chow International, Chow Energy and Premier Solutions Co. Ltd. invested in the projects. There are 11 similar projects in the country.

The solar power plants are being built in the villages of Bulawen (60 hectares) and Bato (40 ha), Relampagos said. Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon