The Philippines has marked a milestone in its renewable energy journey with the inauguration of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp.’s Batangas 1 Solar Plant, the country’s first baseload-capable solar + storage project.
Located in Calatagan, Batangas, the 197 MW solar farm is paired with a 320 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), making it capable of delivering stable power to the grid even beyond daylight hours. Energy officials describe it as a “game-changer” in addressing one of the biggest challenges of renewable energy — intermittency.
“This is proof that renewable energy can now provide baseload capacity. It is not just supplemental, but dependable power that can help stabilize our grid,” said Citicore executives during the inauguration.
The project is expected to supply power to thousands of households, contribute to the government’s 35% renewable energy target by 2030, and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Industry analysts point out that the Batangas 1 project comes at a crucial time, as rising electricity rates and frequent typhoon disruptions underscore the need for resilient and sustainable energy systems. The integration of solar with large-scale battery storage could set a precedent for future projects nationwide.
Citicore’s Batangas 1 is also aligned with the Philippines’ commitments under the Paris Agreement, helping cut carbon emissions while promoting cleaner, more affordable power.
Source: Reccessary
