Helios Solar Energy Corp. (“Helios”) has today inaugurated its 132.5-megawatt (“MW”) solar generation facility in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.The project is Southeast Asia’s largest solar project.
The project was developed througha partnership between Gregorio Araneta, Inc. (“GAI”) and Soleq. Soleq is the market leader in the solar PV industry in the Philippines and one of Southeast Asia’s largest solar independent power producers. This project follows the partnership’s first solar project,a 30 MW solar generation facility in Ormoc, Leyte, which was commissioned in April 2015.
The first of its size in Southeast Asia, the project has contributed significant value and opportunities to communities in Negros Occidental having employed over 2,000 local people during the construction phase. Additionally, it is estimated that the project will produce 188,500 MWh of solar power per year, or enough to power an estimated 167,526 households, save 177.7 million litres of water, and lower carbon emissions by 94,627 tonnes per year (equivalent of 10 years of carbon sequestered by planting 2.4 million trees).
Gregorio Araneta III, Helios Chairman said, “We are pleased to launch this ambitious project which underlies our conviction to support the country’s shift to more renewable energy. This project also demonstrates our country’s ability to develop world-class renewable energy projectsand establishes the Philippines’ foothold as a frontrunner in renewable energy.”