CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Central Luzon is set to gain an additional 82 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar power capacity and 106 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage through new renewable energy projects in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija, supporting the country’s drive for energy security, cleaner power mix, and sustainable economic growth.
The projects will proceed after Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC) secured a ₱4.05-billion project finance loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to develop two 41-MWp solar power plants, each equipped with a 53-MWh battery energy storage system that will be directly connected to distribution utilities in the two provinces.
Once operational, the facilities are expected to improve power reliability, reduce system losses, and help distribution utilities comply with the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), while potentially lowering electricity costs for consumers.
The Pampanga project will expand CREC’s renewable energy investments in the province following its existing 115-MW and 42-MW solar farms in Arayat and Mexico, while the Nueva Ecija facility marks the company’s first renewable energy development in the province, broadening clean energy infrastructure in Central Luzon.
CREC President and Chief Executive Officer Oliver Tan said the projects reflect the company’s commitment of advancing the country’s renewable energy transition through strategic partnerships.
“Our vision to Power a First World Philippines aligns with LANDBANK’s commitment to sustainable nation-building, enabling us to accelerate the delivery of renewable energy projects that advance the country’s energy transition and create lasting value for Filipino communities,” Tan emphasized.
He added that the partnership demonstrates the important role of public-private collaboration in helping achieve the Department of Energy’s target of increasing renewable energy’s share in the country’s power generation mix to 50 percent by 2040.
In a statement, LANDBANK President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette Ortiz said the state-run bank remains committed to financing projects that support both economic development and environmental sustainability.
“Our partnership with CREC reflects LANDBANK’s commitment to financing transformative projects that expand access to reliable power, create opportunities, and accelerate the country’s green transition. We are fully committed to ensuring our rural communities benefit from a cleaner, more secure energy grid,” Ortiz said.
Through its subsidiary, Citicore Solar Embedded Inc., CREC partnered with Pampanga I Electric Cooperative and San Jose City Electric Cooperative to implement the projects using an embedded solar model that directly connects renewable energy facilities to distribution utilities, improving power delivery efficiency and supporting compliance with the RPS.
Beyond expanding clean energy capacity, the projects are expected to attract investments, stimulate economic activity, and strengthen electricity infrastructure that will benefit households, businesses, and industries across Central Luzon.
The financing also demonstrates the role of government financial institutions in mobilizing investments for renewable energy and encouraging greater private sector participation in sustainable infrastructure development.
These solar projects support the Marcos administration’s agenda of enhancing energy security, expanding renewable energy, and strengthening public-private partnerships to promote resilient infrastructure and inclusive growth under the Bagong Pilipinas vision. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)