Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions provider across the Asia-Pacific region, has commenced construction of two landmark solar projects in Ilocos Norte, reinforcing its commitment to accelerating the Philippines’ transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Groundbreaking and time capsule ceremonies for the Astra Solar and Opus Solar projects were held on 5 May 2026 in Currimao and 6 May 2026 in Paoay, respectively. Combined, the projects will add approximately 380 MWp of renewable energy capacity, expanding Vena Energy’s total solar footprint in Ilocos Norte to around 480 MWp upon completion.
The ceremonies were attended by Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, Currimao Mayor Edward Quilala, and Paoay Mayor Shiella Galano, alongside Vena Group Chief Operating Officer Juan Mas Valor, Vena Energy Philippines Head Samrinder Nehria, and Head of Project Development Mia Jarumayan.
On 5 May 2026, Astra Solar Energy Corp. broke ground on the 80.6 MWp Astra Solar Power Project in Currimao. The project is backed by a ₱2.7-billion green project finance facility from Security Bank.
Once operational, Astra Solar is expected to generate approximately 142 GWh of clean electricity annually — enough to power around 120,500 Filipino households — while avoiding an estimated 95,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. This environmental impact is equivalent to planting approximately 1.5 million trees.
On 6 May 2026, Opus Solar Energy Corp. launched construction of the 300 MWp Opus Solar Project in Paoay. Spanning 190 hectares across Barangays Bacsil and Mumulaan, the project represents a milestone for the Philippine renewable energy sector.
Opus Solar is the country’s first fully non-recourse renewable energy project financed exclusively by international banks. The development is supported by a US$210-million green loan from a consortium of seven global financial institutions.
Upon completion, the project is expected to supply clean energy equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 445,000 households while avoiding around 349,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
“We are proud to see how our investments continue to create local jobs, support community aspirations, and drive the Philippines’ energy transition forward,” said Juan Mas Valor, Chief Operating Officer of Vena Group.
The Astra and Opus Solar projects build on the success of Vena Energy’s existing renewable energy facilities in Ilocos Norte, including the 20 MW Mirae Asia Energy Corporation and the 83.3 MW Nuevo Solar Energy Corp. solar projects.
Through its continued presence in the region, Vena Energy has delivered meaningful long-term benefits to local communities, including:
- The creation of hundreds of local jobs during construction and operations;
- Financial contributions through ER1-94 and increased local tax revenues for host communities; and
- Ongoing support for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental initiatives through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.
“Opus Solar and Astra Solar demonstrate how strong cross-border and local collaboration can accelerate the transition to clean energy while upholding high standards of environmental and social governance,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of Philippines, Vena Energy.
Both projects contribute directly to the Philippines’ renewable energy goals of increasing the share of clean energy in the national power mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
