Powering Ilocos Norte’s Solar Future

The Philippines’ push toward renewable energy is gaining fresh momentum in the north as Vena Energy begins construction on two major solar developments in Ilocos Norte, reinforcing the province’s growing role in the country’s clean energy transformation.

The regional green energy company recently broke ground on the Astra Solar and Opus Solar projects in Currimao and Paoay, adding a combined capacity of around 380 megawatt-peak (MWp). Once completed, the projects will expand Vena Energy’s solar portfolio in Ilocos Norte to nearly 480 MWp, making the province one of the company’s most significant renewable energy hubs in the country.

Government leaders and company executives attended the ceremonies held on May 5 and 6, including Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, Currimao Mayor Edward Quilala, and Paoay Mayor Shiella Galano. They were joined by Vena Group Chief Operating Officer Juan Mas Valor, Vena Energy Philippines Head Samrinder Nehria, and Project Development Head Mia Jarumayan.

The first project to officially begin construction was the 80.6 MWp Astra Solar Power Project in Currimao. Backed by a ₱2.7-billion green financing package from Security Bank, the facility is projected to generate around 142 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually. This output is expected to provide clean energy to approximately 120,500 households while preventing an estimated 95,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year — an environmental benefit comparable to planting roughly 1.5 million trees.

A day later, construction commenced for the much larger 300 MWp Opus Solar Project in Paoay. Spread across 190 hectares in Barangays Bacsil and Mumulaan, the development represents a milestone for the local renewable energy sector. The project secured a US$210-million green loan from seven international banks, becoming the country’s first fully non-recourse renewable energy project financed entirely by foreign lenders.

Once operational, Opus Solar is expected to supply enough clean electricity to meet the yearly needs of about 445,000 households while helping avoid nearly 349,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Beyond electricity generation, Vena Energy emphasized the long-term social and economic contributions of its renewable projects in Ilocos Norte. The company said its operations continue to create employment opportunities during construction and operation phases while contributing additional revenues to host communities through taxes and government energy programs.

The new developments also build on Vena Energy’s earlier projects in the province, including the 20MW Mirae Asia Energy Corporation facility and the 83.3MW Nuevo Solar Energy Corp. project.

According to company officials, the expansion reflects how partnerships between local communities, government units, and international investors can help accelerate the Philippines’ renewable energy goals. Both Astra Solar and Opus Solar are aligned with the country’s target of increasing renewable energy’s share in the power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.