Panay Island to get clean energy boost as Ajuy Solar Plant breaks ground

Ajuy, Iloilo — Panay Island is set to benefit from a 62-megawatt peak of clean and reliable electricity, marking a significant step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels and meeting the region’s growing demand for sustainable energy. This development was made possible with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ajuy-1 Solar Power Project, held today in Barangay Tipacla, Ajuy, Iloilo, and witnessed by Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon S. Garin.

With a total investment of Php 2.37 billion, the 47.86-hectare Ajuy-1 Solar Power Plant is Iloilo Province’s first major ground-mounted solar facility to be developed by Jin Navitas Solaris. The plant will be connected to the Panay Island grid via the Sara–Panit 69 kV transmission line and has already completed the required 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.

“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,” said Secretary Garin. “The Ajuy Solar Power Plant is a testament to our collective commitment to a sustainable energy future.”

The Project is fully aligned with the Iloilo Provincial Renewable Energy Plan (I-PREP), a comprehensive roadmap developed by the Provincial Government of Iloilo to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. I-PREP outlines strategic actions to increase the adoption  of renewable energy across municipalities, strengthen energy self-sufficiency, and foster public private partnerships in clean energy development.

Further reinforcing this policy framework is the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance for Renewable Energy (I-PORE), a pioneering legislation that institutionalizes the Province’s commitment to renewable energy. I-PORE provides incentives for investors, promotes public education and awareness, and mandates the integration of renewable energy in provincial and municipal development plans. These local policies reflect Iloilo’s proactive role in contributing to national renewable energy goals while balancing economic progress with environmental protection.

Beyond delivering clean power, the Ajuy-1 Solar Power Project is expected to bring socioeconomic benefits to the host community and nearby areas. The Project is also anticipated to improve grid stability in Northern Iloilo, helping address peak demand and enhancing 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 reinveste in essential services, infrastructure, and social development programs. In addition, the project contributes to local capacity-building, encouraging knowledge-sharing and stakeholder engagement around clean energy and climate resilience.

The Ajuy-1 Solar Power Plant supports the Philippine government’s target of achieving a 35% renewable energy share in the power generation mix by 2030, and 50% by 2040. It affirms the country’s commitment to energy security, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth as it advances toward 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 come together to build a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy future for the Filipino people. #