The Dagohoy Solar Power Plant in Bohol will start its commercial operations on 16 July. This is the first large solar plant for the province. The plant has a capacity of 27.121 megawatts direct current (MWDC).
The Energy Regulatory Commission gave its approval on 4 July. The Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines also gave its go-ahead on 8 July. This means the plant can now participate in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).
Dagohoy Solar Power Plant is under Rizal Green Energy Corp. (RGEC). RGEC is owned by PetroGreen Energy Corporation and Japan’s Taisei Corporation. This is one of four solar projects under RGEC.
One of the other projects is the San Jose Solar Power Plant in Nueva Ecija. It will have a capacity of 19.61 MWDC. It is waiting for final government clearances. Another is the Bugallon Solar Power Plant in Pangasinan. This one is planned at 25.01 MWDC. The fourth is the Limbauan Solar Power Plant in Isabela. It is planned for 39.84 MWDC. Both Bugallon and Limbauan are expected to be finished by late 2025.
All four projects together will add about 111.58 MWDC to the grid. These plants will help bring more renewable energy to the Philippines’ power mix.
PetroGreen’s Dave Gadiano said the start of Dagohoy’s operations means they can now sell electricity through the WESM. This also means they will start supplying power under their agreement with SN Aboitiz Power. RGEC says these solar projects can help power thousands of households. They can also help reduce carbon emissions.
Besides these plants, smaller solar efforts are happening too. Some local government units in Bohol and Pangasinan are looking at small rooftop solar panels for schools and public buildings. These are still in planning stages but could add more clean energy to local areas.
