Albay has secured PhP 84 billion in financial pledges for a groundbreaking 1,250 megawatt (MW) renewable energy (RE) project, marking a major step toward the province’s clean energy future. The initiative, which follows the province’s Renewable Energy and Investment Summit, will leverage cutting-edge solar and wind technologies to meet the growing energy demands of the region and position Albay as a leader in the Philippines’ clean energy transition.

The summit brought together key stakeholders, including the Provincial Government of Albay, the Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), electricity consumers, civil society organizations, think tanks, and several renewable energy investors and developers. Among the notable participants were AH Energy Corporation, Mantex Service, SPIC China Corporation, Power Energy, Energy China, Santa Clara International, Altenergy, WeGen, and China Harbour Engineering Company.

These partnerships will harness Albay’s rich solar and wind resources to power households and businesses across the province. Mr. Arnold Onrubia, MPA EnP, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, outlined the province’s roadmap for renewable energy development, identifying key areas such as Tabaco and Ligao Cities and the municipality of Daraga for large-scale solar farm projects.

“Our resource mapping shows that San Miguel Island and Tabaco City mainland hold vast potential for solar farms due to their high solar irradiance levels. This positions Albay at the forefront of renewable energy generation in the country,” Onrubia stated.

Ms. Rose Quinto-Rey, Co-Chair of the Provincial Local Investment and Incentive Board and Chairperson of the Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy: “With the power crisis impacting businesses, ACCI, together with the Department of Energy, is calling for long-term solutions. Our partnerships with international stakeholders, such as the Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council, reflect our commitment to a sustainable energy future.”

In addition to solar power, the project includes significant investments in wind energy. “A total of 220 MW wind development for Albay Gulf, the towns of Pio Duran and Ligao and Lagonoy Gulf is now on the table as interests have been clinched, together with 1,030 MW of solar in eight towns,” explained Edwin Tesaluna, Senior Officer at the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ).

Ian Rivera, National Coordinator of PMCJ, affirmed the significance of Albay’s renewable energy push. “The Albay RE and Investment Summit demonstrates that the renewable energy future is here. The PhP 84 billion in pledged investments and the 1,250 MW of potential capacity underline the urgency for renewable energy development, particularly that businesses and economies grapple with the climate crisis. This proves that the shift is clean renewables and there is no future for coal,” Rivera said.

The project is set to create 3,300 jobs during the initial year of the construction phase and promises long-term economic growth for the province. It will also contribute to national energy security by reducing reliance on coal and other fossil fuels.

Albay Governor Grex Lagman hailed the project as a turning point for the province and the country: “This marks the beginning of a new era for energy in Albay and the Philippines, as we align with both national and global climate goals.”

The developers are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of the projects, with robust safeguards in place. Social development programs focusing on education and healthcare are also planned to benefit local communities. One of the key projects under development is a 1MWp solar farm in Brgy. Hacienda, Tabaco City, which is expected to generate over 1,500 MWh annually. Larger projects, including a 1,000MW utility-scale solar farm in Pio Duran, are also in the pipeline.

As Albay continues to advance its renewable energy goals, the province is set to become a key player in the Philippines’ shift toward a sustainable and clean energy future.