ACEN’s Visayas power plants: Leading the way in renewable energy

From the Negros region to Guimaras Province, ACEN’s four renewable energy plants in Visayas provide a peek into the sustainable ecosystem that the company aims to embody throughout the Philippines. These wind and solar plants have proven to be a significant contributor in the expansion of the company’s renewables footprint, while exhibiting excellence in operational efficiency and an unwavering commitment to nation building.

“Our aspiration is to become a 100% renewables company with a strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance leading the charge in the renewables revolution. We are committed to continue operating at full capacity to generate sustainable energy while exemplifying operational excellence throughout our ACEN power plants and creating long-term value within our host communities,” said Gabino Ramon Mejia, ACEN’s Executive Director & Head of Plant Operations.

In June 2022, nine of ACEN’s operating power plants in the Philippines received the prestigious Integrated Management System (IMS) certification as verified by DQS Certification Philippines, Inc., one of the leading certification bodies for management systems worldwide. All of ACEN’s Visayas plants received the roster of accolades covering the plants’ systems on Quality Management, Environmental Management, and Occupational Safety and Health.

Most recently, on 14 July 2022, Guimaras Wind Corporation (GWC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government for a landmark tree planting initiative that aims to adopt 176 hectares of the NGP and ENGP Sites in San Lorenzo, Guimaras. Previously, GWC tied up with the DENR for the Arboretum Project, a program that aims to convert a 27-hectare woodland into a learning forest to serve as an educational resource for students.

In Negros, where ACEN has a total of 143 MW aggregate solar power capacity, the solar projects eliminate approximately 130,000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year. The plants have received various regional recognitions – from sustainable energy finance to wholesale electricity spot market compliance – and continue to work with their host communities to integrate sustainability within and outside of plant operations.

In the first half of 2022, the four plants successfully mounted CSR programs including support for the local education sector, tree planting, environmental cleanups, COVID-19 donations, and ecotourism, among others. The plants are also preparing to execute a slew of new projects in the second half of the year including honeybee farming and the installation of solar panels in the local community.

Along with the rest of the ACEN group, IslaSol, MonteSol, SacaSol, and GWC continue to anticipate the needs of the communities they serve.

Visit www.acenrenewables.com/sustainability/esg/ to learn how ACEN integrates sustainability in its business for the benefit of communities, the environment, and all stakeholders.*