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The steady expansion of renewable energy (RE) across the Philippines reached another significant moment as a utility-scale solar facility in Isabela began delivering electricity to the Luzon grid, reinforcing the country’s push toward a more resilient and sustainable power system. Developed under the Yuchengco Group’s RE arm, the project reflects growing confidence in solar power as a reliable contributor to the national energy supply.
Located in San Pablo, Isabela, the Limbauan Solar facility is now exporting electricity following the approval of its grid connection, marking a transition from construction to active contribution. The integration of the project’s second phase signals progress not only for its developers but also for the broader goal of strengthening the Luzon grid amid rising electricity demand.
The solar farm is being developed by Rizal Green Energy Corp. (RGEC), a joint venture between PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) and Taisei Corp., a Japan-based company. Its rollout has been carefully phased to ensure system readiness and grid stability, with regulators and operators playing a central role in bringing the project online.
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From Approval to Power Delivery
Momentum for the Limbauan Solar facility accelerated after the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) issued a provisional certificate allowing the connection of Phase 2 of the project. With this clearance, an initial 33.83 megawatts of solar power has begun flowing into the Luzon grid, following the plant’s successful energization as a load facility in November.
“We are pleased to start exporting power from our Limbauan Solar Phase 2 facility, which is a green energy auction 2-qualified project,” PGEC Vice President Maria Victoria Olivar said.
The project is expected to further increase its contribution in the coming weeks, with the remaining capacity scheduled for energization once final clearances are secured. Alongside this, PGEC is also preparing to bring online another completed solar facility in Pangasinan, which is awaiting regulatory approval to begin operations.
According to Olivar, the achievement reflects close coordination among various stakeholders, from government agencies to private sector partners. Olivar described the achievement as a result of close collaboration between government and private sector partners, underscoring how this cooperation played a vital role in delivering the project on schedule.
Once the remaining capacity of the Limbauan project and the Pangasinan solar facility are fully energized, PGEC’s portfolio of operational RE assets is expected to reach a new scale. “Once energized, [PetroGreen] would have 263 MW of utility-scale operational renewable energy facilities,” Olivar noted.
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Building Momentum in Renewable Development
The Limbauan Solar facility represents the third grid-connected project under RGEC, following earlier solar developments in Bohol and Nueva Ecija. Together, these projects demonstrate a growing footprint for utility-scale solar across different regions of the country, helping diversify power sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
While solar generation continues to expand, PGEC is also investing in complementary technologies to enhance grid reliability. Among these is a planned battery energy storage system (BESS) in Capiz, which has already secured key environmental clearances. Targeted for commercial operations in 2026, the facility is designed to store excess electricity generated during periods of low demand and release it during peak hours.
Beyond its immediate contribution to the grid, the Isabela solar farm is designed to generate substantial long-term benefits. At full capacity, the facility is projected to produce tens of gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to support thousands of households while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The project also supported local employment during construction, with hundreds of workers engaged at peak activity.
Government agencies have identified the Limbauan Solar Power Project as one of national significance, granting it priority status to streamline permitting and approvals. This designation underscores the role of private investment in addressing the country’s growing energy needs while advancing sustainability goals.
Sources:
https://business.inquirer.net/513617/40-mw-solar-farm-coming-to-isabela-by-end-2025