2 solar power plants to rise in Pangasinan

The memorandum of agreement for the establishment of twin solar power plants in Infanta and Dasol towns in western Pangasinan is being signed during the Joint Development Agreements signing at the Urduja House on May 3. Signatories are (from left) Jesus Antonio Magsaysay of URIT Limited Philippines Inc., Bernard Bawing and former Bayambang Mayor Cesar Quiambao, both of CSFirst Green Agri Industrial Development Inc., Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, who witnessed the signing, Andy Wu and Yang Jiyu of China Energy International, and Jusslun Maisie Ong Tan of Urit Limited Philippines. (Photo by Yolanda Sotelo)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Two solar power plants worth USD 503 million with a total capacity of 321 megawatts are planned to be built in Infanta and Dasol towns in western Pangasinan.

A memorandum of agreement for the project was signed on Wednesday by CS First Green Agri-Industrial Development Inc., URIT Limited Philippines Corporation, China Energy International Group Company, and the China Energy International Group Company.

The project in Infanta, which will cost US$285 million, will generate 181 MW, while the USD 218-million plant in Dasol will generate 140 MW. Both are expected to be operational by late 2026 or early 2027.

The solar power plants would be the first major investment in the province under the administration of Governor Ramon Guico III, who said the province is favorable to renewable energy power plants “as it has the best sunshine and wind.”

“There’s a looming power crisis, and Pangasinan will play a key role in contributing to the power requirements of the country,” he said during the signing in this town.

Former Bayambang Mayor Cesar Quiambao, head of the CS First Green Agri-Industrial Development, said the project will be located in mountainous, non-arable areas in the towns that underwent site suitability assessments.

He said the proposed plants have undergone an environmental impact assessment, and the company is applying for an environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Andy Wu, who signed for the Chinese Energy Group Company, said the feasibility study for the project would be completed as soon as possible.

With the expected completion of the projects in 2027, Pangasinan will host three power plants of different types. The two existing plants are the coal-fired power plant in Sual town, and the hydroelectric power plant in San Manuel.

A nuclear plant has also been proposed by Pangasinan second district Representative Mark Cojuangco. INQ

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