Merbau Corporation, the renewable energy arm of JG Summit Holdings, Inc., has successfully completed its 13.811-Megawatt-peak solar energy project, one of the largest solar rooftop installations in the country today.
Located in Barangays Simlong and Pinamucan Ibaba, Batangas City, this renewable energy project highlights the conglomerate’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. It will provide a significant portion of the energy requirements of the fully integrated petrochemical complex of JG Summit, which houses JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC) manufacturing plants and the flexible packaging division of Universal Robina Corporation (URC).
“This milestone marks a significant step in our journey as we aim to become a leading renewable energy company in the country,” said Merbau President and CEO Patrick Henry C. Go.
The solar energy project is expected to reduce the consumption of power sourced from both the national grid and from JGSOC’s in-house power plant, with estimated energy savings of 17.8 gigawatt-hours per year. The use of renewable energy is also expected to significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with an estimated reduction of 17 kilotonnes annually from both the JGSOC and URC warehouses and building offices within the petrochemical complex.
This milestone marks a significant step in our journey as we aim to become a leading renewable energy company in the country. — Patrick Henry C. Go, Merbau Corp. President and CEO
The rooftop panel installation was undertaken in collaboration with Merbau’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractor Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP), a specialist in the installation of commercial and industrial solar rooftop facilities, utility-scale solar plants, and wind power plants in the Philippines.
“The project reinforces UGEP's commitment as a leading player in the country's energy transition goals and demonstrates our dedication to driving sustainable solutions and contributing to a greener future,” said UGEP President and CEO Ruth Yu-Owen.
Construction of the solar energy project, which covered the rooftops of nine buildings, commenced in August 2022. The project was rolled out in two phases: Phase 1, with a capacity of 5.8 MW, was completed in December 2022; and Phase 2, with a capacity of 8.0 MW, was completed in April 2023.
On Merbau’s future plans, Go shared that the company is currently looking into a portfolio of projects in partnership with Robinsons Land Corporation (for its malls and industrial warehouses), URC (for its manufacturing plants and distribution channels), Cebu Pacific, and other companies in the Gokongwei Group.
“We also plan to expand our RE portfolio to be able to deliver power to eligible end-users outside of the Group in our commitment to solidify our dedication to sustainable and innovative energy solutions,” said Go.
