First utility-scale solar power plant in Bicol

By Charen Vera

Presided over by Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte, along with Nexif Ratch CEO Cyril Dissescou and Calabanga Renewable Energy Inc. President Nicolo Subido, the 74.1 MW Calabanga Solar Power Plant (CARE) was officially inaugurated on September 12, 2024.

“Today is a bright day for the province of Camarines Sur. We are thankful to Nexif Ratch Energy and Calabanga Renewable Energy Inc. for choosing Camarines Sur to be the pioneer site for the largest solar power project in the Bicol region,” Governor Luigi Villafuerte said in his speech.

The inauguration was graced by Nexif Ratch Country Director Puneet Malhotra, Board of Investment Executive Director Atty. Bobby Fondevilla, Department of Energy Assistance Director Ruby De Guzman, Calabanga Mayor Eugene Severo, and representatives from the Local Government Unit, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, lenders, off-takers, and key members of the development team.

Situated at Brgy. Bonot-Sta. Rosa, Calabanga, Camarines Sur, CARE is a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) facility developed, owned, and operated by Calabanga Renewable Energy Inc., a subsidiary of Nexif Ratch Energy (NRE). This state-of-the-art facility stands as the first utility-scale solar farm in the entire Bicol Region delivering clean energy to the national grid.

Designed to minimize carbon footprint and to advocate for a greener future, this facility features a total of 137,348 solar photovoltaic modules installed across 65 hectares of land, capable of generating approximately 109,000 megawatt-hours of clean, renewable energy annually for the next three decades.

This solar power project is a shining example of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur’s dedication to harnessing the power of the sun, paving the way for a renewable, sustainable, and environmentally-conscious future that benefits not only the current generation of Camarinenses but also secures a brighter future for generations to come.

FIRST UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR POWER PLANT OPENS IN CALABANGA CAMSUR. Camarines Sur Gov. Luigi Villafuerte along with Nexif Ratch CEO Cyril Dissescou and Calabanga Renewable Energy Inc. President Nicolo Subido, led the official inauguration of the 74.1 MW Calabanga Solar Power Plant last September 12, 2024. jmts/rbmjr/pgomultimedia/09252024/fb_GovLuigiVillafuerte/fb_ProvinceofCamarinesSur