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PacificSun Renewables Corp. plans to develop a ₱ 4.9 billion solar farm in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, projected to deliver up to 120.96 megawatts (MW) of clean energy upon completion.
In its filing with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the developer said the project will cover about 81.81 hectares across Barangays Mumulaan, Suba, and Nagbacalan, within a timberland area jointly managed by the DENR and the Ilocos Norte government for eco-tourism and reforestation.
The initiative’s goals include strengthening the region’s energy security, promoting environmental sustainability, and driving local economic growth. According to the company, the project seeks to achieve these by developing renewable energy (RE) facilities and generating new employment opportunities for communities in the area.
The timeline for the project spans roughly 12 to 18 months, beginning once all required permits are obtained. This period will cover site preparation, construction, and the installation and testing of photovoltaic and electrical systems before full operation begins.
Funding will follow a 70-30 debt-to-equity mix. PacificSun Renewables, which currently has ₱200 million in authorized capital and ₱12.5 million paid up for pre-development, intends to raise additional capital for full implementation. Early projections place the project’s equity internal rate of return at around 15%.
A public scoping session is set for Oct. 23 as one of the initial stages in the project’s environmental impact assessment process.
(Also read: Alba Viento Power to Boost Luzon Grid with P34-B Zambales Wind Farm)
About the developer
PacificSun Renewables operates under Sta. Clara International Corp., a leading Philippine engineering and contracting firm with an extensive track record both locally and in the Middle East.
The company is recognized for its advanced technical capabilities, strong project management, and consistent delivery of large-scale power, infrastructure, and civil works projects. Over the years, Sta. Clara has built a reputation for quality construction and timely project completion across diverse sectors, from industrial plants to underground developments.
It has long been involved in advancing RE development in the Philippines through its work on several major hydroelectric projects. The company served as the sole contractor for the 8-MW Cabulig Hydroelectric Power Plant in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, commissioned by Mindanao Energy Systems, Inc., overseeing the construction of the dam, powerhouse, and related facilities.
It also led the civil works for the 1.2-MW Loboc Mini Hydroelectric Power Plant in Bohol, managing structures such as the intake, penstock, and powerhouse.
In Laguna, Sta. Clara acted as subcontractor for civil works in the Caliraya Hydroelectric Power Plant under the CBK Hydro Power Consortium, handling dam rehabilitation, spillway construction, and tunnel improvements.
The company also served as the sole contractor for the 60-MW Toledo Solar Power Plant in Toledo, Cebu, commissioned by Citicore Power, Inc. Completed in February 2016, the project involved the full engineering, procurement, and construction scope, including the design and development of the 73.81-hectare site, installation of drainage systems, and electrical works covering the cabling and termination of solar modules.
(Also read: Why Economic Growth Still Depends on Reliable Power)
Paoay gears up for another solar project
In March, a 300-MW solar power development was cleared to move forward in Barangays Bacsil and Mumulaan in Paoay, as part of ongoing efforts to lessen the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. The Provincial Board gave its full backing through Resolution No. 2025-03-432, endorsing Opus Solar Energy Corp. to carry out the project.
The resolution, sponsored by board member Franklin Dante Respicio and the Committee on Laws, highlighted the project’s potential to expand Ilocos Norte’s RE output while diversifying its power sources beyond fossil fuels. Respicio also emphasized that it “will also translate into a diversified energy source beyond fossil fuels, generating not only power, but also jobs, revenue, livelihood, and attraction to thousands of curious tourists.”
The DENR has identified around 200 hectares of forest land as suitable for the solar development. The project forms part of the ₱75-billion portfolio of clean energy investments granted green lane certification by the Board of Investments, aimed at fast-tracking RE expansion in the country.
The Provincial Board also passed Resolution No. 2025-03-431, authorizing Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc to enter into a memorandum of agreement with Opus Solar Energy Corp. The accord will outline corporate social responsibility programs designed to support community development and promote inclusive economic progress across Ilocos Norte.
Under the agreement, Opus Solar Energy Corp. pledged ₱11.7 million for corporate social responsibility initiatives, which will include scholarship programs for elementary and high school students in the host communities.
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