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Tera Renewables 7 Corporation is investing P17.62 billion to develop a 451.38-megawatt peak (MWp) solar power plant in Labrador, Pangasinan.
The initiative, called the Labrador 1 Solar Power Project (Labrador 1 SPP) will be built on 296.45 hectares in Barangay Bolo, Labrador.
According to Tera 7, it selected Pangasinan for its project due to the province’s strong solar energy potential, as stated in documents submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on January 5, 2025.
Construction of the solar plant will begin in early 2025, with commercial operations expected by 2026.
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Boosting Luzon’s energy supply
Because Luzon’s energy demand continues to grow, Tera 7 seeks to strengthen the region’s power supply with a reliable, affordable baseload source while expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity.
The company emphasized its objective to support the Filipinos’ energy needs, stating, “This proposed project is part of that commitment, addressing the additional capacity required in Luzon to meet power demands as annual growth rates increase.”
The Labrador 1 SPP will include 673,708 ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels, secured with steel structures for stability and efficiency.
PV panels, commonly known as solar panels, generate electricity by converting sunlight into energy through photovoltaic cells, typically made of silicon. When sunlight strikes these cells, it triggers electron movement, producing direct current (DC). An inverter then converts DC into alternating current (AC) for use in homes, businesses, or the power grid.
The project will connect to the power grid through a transmission line linked to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Bolo Substation. Supported by grounded steel towers, this system will ensure stable and efficient energy transmission.
The Department of Energy (DOE) granted the project a solar energy operating contract in 2023. Tera 7 is now seeking an amendment to expand the project area from 271.94 hectares to 296.45 hectares.
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Project development
Tera 7 is implementing a phased development strategy, starting with the southern section in Phase 1, followed by the northern portion in Phase 2. The focus on Phase 1 is based on the resources and efforts required for land acquisition.
Tera 7, a unit of CleanTech Global Renewables Inc., operates as a Philippine-based independent power producer specializing in renewable energy. CleanTech, known globally for its expertise in solar and wind power, has additional projects in Pangasinan.
The company stated, “The DOE endeavors to meet the projected energy demand while also accelerating the development of renewable energy resources to achieve a varied energy mix, with which solar power is expected to play a significant role in. This project is part of that commitment.”
Sources:
https://powerphilippines.com/tera-7-to-invest-php-17-62-b-for-solar-plant-in-pangasinan
https://manilastandard.net/business/314551089/tera-spending-p17-6b-on-labrador-solar-plant.html
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/27/tera-7-to-invest-in-pangasinan-solar-project