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Ayala-led ACEN Corp. is ramping up its renewable energy portfolio with the expansion of its Palauig Solar Farm in Zambales, a ₱26-billion development set to boost the company’s solar generation and storage capacity.
In a disclosure, ACEN said its subsidiary, Giga Ace 8 Inc., plans to raise the project’s capacity to 420 megawatts-peak (MWp) from the initially proposed 300 MWp. The larger installation will now cover about 370 hectares and feature an additional 196,784 photovoltaic modules, according to filings with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The project will also include a 347-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) designed to stabilize power supply during peak demand and complement solar generation when sunlight is unavailable. ACEN said the battery facility is expected to begin commercial operations by the second half of 2027, pending regulatory clearances and construction progress.
Phased Implementation
The Palauig solar complex will be developed in three phases, with the first phase targeted for completion and operation as early as the second half of 2027. Later stages could extend to late 2028, depending on permitting and grid integration milestones.
As of November 2025, ACEN reported that construction was nearly 90 percent complete, underscoring steady progress despite expansion adjustments. The company estimates a 25-year operational lifespan for the solar plant and 15 years for the battery units.
A public hearing for the project’s environmental impact assessment is scheduled for January 28–29, marking a key step before full-scale operation. ACEN said it will continue to disclose material developments as construction advances.
Supporting The Luzon Grid
The Palauig solar project is part of ACEN’s broader goal to expand its renewable energy capacity and strengthen supply to the Luzon grid, which continues to face challenges from rising electricity demand and limited generation reserves.
By combining large-scale solar generation with battery storage, the project aims to improve grid stability and reduce intermittency issues that typically affect renewable energy systems. Energy stored during the day will be dispatched at night or during supply shortfalls, supporting peak demand periods.
Giga Ace 8, ACEN’s special-purpose unit for renewable projects, is managing development. The project’s integration of battery storage reflects a growing industry trend toward hybrid renewable facilities that enhance reliability while advancing the country’s clean energy transition.
Renewable Growth Strategy
The Palauig expansion aligns with ACEN’s long-term ambition to grow its attributable renewable capacity to 20 gigawatts over the next few years. The company currently holds a global generation portfolio of around 6.8 GW, including operational plants and ongoing developments across Asia and Australia.
As ACEN accelerates its investments in solar and energy storage, projects like Palauig serve as a cornerstone in meeting the Philippines’ renewable targets and addressing future power supply needs through sustainable, large-scale solutions.
Source:
https://business.inquirer.net/568157/acen-eyes-2027-switch-on-of-zambales-solar-park
https://business.inquirer.net/496961/acen-to-bolster-portfolio-with-1-2-gw-new-capacity-by-end-2025