Panay Island is poised for a significant leap towards a sustainable energy future with today’s groundbreaking ceremony of the Ajuy-1 Solar Power Project.
This landmark initiative, held in Barangay Tipacla, Ajuy, Iloilo, and witnessed by Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon S. Garin, will deliver a crucial 62-megawatt peak (MWp) of clean and reliable electricity, substantially reducing the region’s reliance on fossil fuels and meeting its escalating demand for sustainable energy.
With a total investment of Php 2.37 billion, the 47.86-hectare Ajuy-1 Solar Power Plant marks Iloilo Province’s first major ground-mounted solar facility. Developed by Jin Navitas Solaris, the plant will seamlessly integrate into the Panay Island grid via the Sara–Panit 69 kV transmission line, having already completed its System Impact Study.
The project was awarded under the DOE’s Green Energy Auction Program 2 (GEA-2) and is entitled to a green energy tariff of ₱4.35 per kilowatt-hour, underscoring its economic viability and environmental benefits.
“This groundbreaking initiative not only marks a significant step in reducing our carbon footprint but also empowers local communities by providing them with reliable and renewable energy resources,” stated Secretary Garin during the ceremony. “The Ajuy Solar Power Plant is a testament to our collective commitment to a sustainable energy future.”
The Ajuy-1 Solar Power Project is in full alignment with the Iloilo Provincial Renewable Energy Plan (I-PREP), a comprehensive roadmap by the Provincial Government of Iloilo aimed at accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy.
I-PREP outlines strategic actions to increase renewable energy adoption, strengthen energy self-sufficiency, and foster public-private partnerships. Further bolstering this framework is the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance for Renewable Energy (I-PORE), pioneering legislation that institutionalizes the Province’s commitment to renewable energy by providing incentives for investors, promoting public education, and mandating renewable energy integration in development plans. These local policies highlight Iloilo’s proactive role in achieving national renewable energy goals while balancing economic progress with environmental protection.
Beyond its environmental impact, the Ajuy-1 Solar Power Project is expected to deliver substantial socioeconomic benefits to the host community and surrounding areas. It is anticipated to enhance grid stability in Northern Iloilo, effectively addressing peak demand and improving power reliability across the region.
Access to lower-cost solar energy will make electricity more affordable for local consumers, while increased local government revenues from taxes and regulatory fees can be reinvested into essential services, infrastructure, and social development programs. The project also fosters local capacity-building, encouraging knowledge-sharing and stakeholder engagement around clean energy and climate resilience.
This project significantly contributes to the Philippine government’s ambitious target of achieving a 35% renewable energy share in the power generation mix by 2030, and 50% by 2040. It reaffirms the country’s dedication to energy security, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth as it advances towards a low-carbon economy.
As Iloilo continues to lead by example, projects like the Ajuy-1 Solar Power Plant serve as powerful models of convergence, where national policy, local governance, and private sector investment unite to build a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy future for the Filipino people.
