EcoSolar Completes First Energy Storage Facility, Readies Additional 90MW DC Solar Power Investment

(L-R) Timpas Brgy. Captain Teody Degones, ESEC Vice President Maria Victoria M. Olivar, Panitan Vice Mayor Audie Advincula, DOE Usec. Mario C. Marasigan, Panitan Mayor Kit Dequiña-Belo, ESEC President Francisco G. Delfin, Jr., Capiz Vice Governor James O. Magbanua, Capiz Governor Fredenil H.Castro, and Head of Capiz Investment Office Rio C. Garcia.

Panitan, Capiz– Yuchengco-led EcoSolar Energy Corporation (ESEC) marked the mechanical completion of its 20MW / 40MWh Panitan Energy Storage Project (PESP), the first ever energy storage facility in the Province of Capiz. Completed in just seven (7) months,
the facility will proceed to testing and commissioning as soon as requisite government approvals are released. The milestone ceremony, held on July 23 at the project site in Barangay Timpas, Panitan, was attended by representatives from national and local government units, host
communities, and partners in the industry.

“This milestone comes at a time when power shortfalls and grid instability in the Visayas continue to affect businesses and residents,” said ESEC President F. G. Delfin, Jr. “When completed in fourth quarter of 2026, the PESP will bring practical benefits to Capiz by
responding quickly to grid fluctuations, minimizing power interruptions, and providing local reserve power that can reduce reliance on costly diesel generation or distant power sources during emergencies.”

Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan emphasized the important role of battery energy storage in supporting greater renewable energy grid integration. “There are many projects that marktheir many firsts, but there are a few projects that can actually
deliver. And the PESP is one of those projects that delivered,” says Usec. Marasigan. “With its two-hour storage capacity, the PESP is expected to help stabilize the Panay-Guimaras-Negros grid by storing excess energy during periods of surplus generation and supplying it when demand increases or generation declines. More importantly, it supports the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, ensuring a steadier and more dependable electricity supply for the people and businesses of Capiz,” adds Usec. Marasigan.

During the ceremony, the Department of Energy (DOE) also formally awarded to ESEC the Service Contract to develop the 90 MW DC Panitan Solar Power Project (PSPP), after the company successfully completed the obligations under the original Certificate of Authority
approved in May, 2025. Together, ESEC’s battery energy storage and solar power projects represent the first private-sector power supply investment in Capiz in 17 years. ESEC earlier secured a Php635.9 Million loan from RCBC to partially fund the BESS project

Capiz Governor Fredenil H. Castro welcomed the twin milestones, noting that such investments support the province’s goal of securing more reliable electricity while creating opportunities for Capiznons. "This project demonstrates what can be achieved when government and the private sector work together with a shared vision. It has always been my prayer to bring serious investors of sustainable power to Capiz. Today, we see that prayer answered and the vision becoming a reality," Governor Castro said.

Panitan Mayor Vicente 'Kit' Dequiña-Belo likewise reaffirmed the municipality's strong support
for the project, saying Panitan remains committed to creating an investment-friendly environment for responsible energy development. "The Municipality of Panitan proudly welcomes this milestone and ESEC’s continued investment in our town. We fully support
projects like these because they bring meaningful opportunities for our people, creating jobs, stimulating local businesses, strengthening our infrastructure, and ensuring a more reliable and sustainable future for Panitan and the rest of Capiz. We look forward to a long and productive partnership with ESEC as we continue building a more progressive municipality together,"
Mayor Dequiña-Belo said.