The Department of Energy lauded JG Summit’s Merbau solar project in Batangas City – the company’s 13.811MWp Roof-Mounted Solar Power Project, considered as the biggest consumer-driven rooftop solar installation in the country.

Department of Energy Secretary (DoE) Raphael P.M. Lotilla expressed his appreciation for Merbau’s new Renewable Energy (RE) project and recognized the company’s contribution to providing more renewable energy solutions. “This will not only result in cost savings and a lower carbon footprint but also encourages the construction of more RE resources consistent with the government’s policy on energy diversification and clean energy future,” Lotilla said in a statement.

In her keynote speech at the event, DoE Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol commended Merbau Corporation and the JG Summit Group for the successful completion of the project. “Transitioning to a green and sustainable economy requires pragmatic energy planning with bold actions and this project manifests Merbau’s commitment towards attaining its sustainable energy goals.”

Merbau Corporation, the Renewable Energy (RE) arm of JG Summit Holdings, Inc., completed installation of nine (9) roof-mounted solar project on its integrated petrochemical complex which houses JG Summit Olefins Corporation and Universal Robina Corporations’ manufacturing plants. Generating significant energy for the complex located in Barangays Simlong and Pinamucan Ibaba, Batangas City, the solar installation aims to reduce power consumption sourced from both in-house and from the national grid and at the same time contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of the complex.

“This milestone marks a significant step in our journey as we aim to become a leading renewable energy company in the country,” said Merbau President and CEO Patrick Henry C. Go. “Aside from our Group, we are expanding our RE portfolio outside the Gokongwei Group as part of our solid commitment to delivering sustainable and innovative energy solutions to eligible end-users in our drive to contribute to a greener future,” added Go on Merbau’s future plans.

Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chair Monalisa Dimalanta also recognized Merbau’s solar project and encouraged other large commercial and industrial consumers to pursue RE solutions. “This pioneering effort will help boost the country’s efforts to achieve energy security, while enabling this integrated petrochemical complex to shift towards cleaner sources of energy,” she said.

The successful completion of the inaugural solar energy project highlighted the collaboration and close partnership between Merbau and its EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractor Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP), one of the leading players for commercial and industrial solar rooftop, utility-scale solar, and wind in the Philippines.

The completion of the solar project cemented Merbau’s capability and strong partnerships to deliver successful renewal energy solutions. Go shared that Merbau is pursuing portfolio of projects within the Gokongwei Group, including its partnership with Cebu Pacific, with Robinsons Land Corporation for its malls and industrial warehouses, and with URC for its manufacturing plants and distribution channels.

The ceremony was graced by His Excellency Michel Parys, from the Embassy of Belgium, Mayor Beverly Rose Dimacuha, Batangas 5th District Congressman Mario Mariño, Board Members Maria Claudette Ambida and Arthur Blanco, Brgy. Captains Rufo Caraig, Pedro Cortez and Loreto Gonito, Aboitiz SAVP, Head of Retail Sales Gina Lyn Camacho, Development Bank of the Philippines representatives headed by Ms. Rowena Aquino, Land Bank of the Philippines Head, SME MLD II Jhoper Bigalbal, Clime Capital Country Manager Rachel Santiago, Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP) President & CEO Ruth Yu-Owen, ERC Renewable Energy Division Chief Engr. Jayson Corpus, Guest Speaker DOE Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol and company, JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC) President & CEO Arnel Santos and Merbau President & CEO, JG Summit Holdings’ Executive Director Patrick Henry C. Go.