Construction has begun on a 99MW solar power plant in South Cotabato, Philippines, backed by UK expertise and financing. This ₱4.49 billion project, known as the Mindanao Solar Plant, is set to power 82,000 homes and cut 66,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The plant is a testament to the growing partnership between the UK and the Philippines in clean energy development.
British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, has teamed up with HSBC and Pentagreen Capital to make this ambitious undertaking possible. The project is part of a broader portfolio of UK investments in Philippine renewable energy, including recent support for 380 MW wind farms across Luzon and Visayas. The UK has also backed what will become the country’s largest solar installation in Nueva Ecija, the Terra Solar Project.
Solar energy plays a crucial role in the global transition to renewable energy, offering a clean, abundant, and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. As the Sun provides more energy in an hour than the world uses in an entire year, harnessing this resource through solar panels and other technologies helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and decrease dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Solar power also promotes energy independence and security, especially in remote or underdeveloped regions where access to traditional power grids is limited.
The Mindanao Solar Plant, developed by international solar company ib vogt, represents their second major solar initiative in Mindanao. Its construction and operational phases will create employment opportunities for local communities, while strengthening the national electricity grid that serves millions of Filipinos.
Mike Welch, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the British Embassy in Manila, said: “This new joint financing facility between the UK’s British International Investment and Pentagreen, with ib vogt Singapore, will support a 99MWp solar power project in South Cotabato, Mindanao. This will have a positive impact on local communities and businesses, as well as supporting the broader energy transition in the country.”
His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, stated: “The UK is proud to be a partner in the Philippines’ renewable energy journey. These investments reflect our shared vision for a sustainable future and underscore the strong ties between our two nations. Projects like these not only provide clean energy to millions but also create opportunities for innovation and progress in the fight against climate change.”
This latest solar project builds on a growing portfolio of UK investments in Philippine renewable energy, including recent support for 380 MW wind farms across Luzon and Visayas. Backed by an equity investment of $150m, this partnership marks a significant step forward in expanding the Philippines’ renewable energy capacity. The projects, which secured offtake agreements through the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), exemplify the potential of partnerships to advance clean energy initiatives.
The Mindanao Solar Plant and other UK-backed renewable energy projects in the Philippines demonstrate the strong partnership between the two nations. These initiatives deliver tangible benefits for communities and businesses while advancing global climate action. As the world transitions to renewable energy, such collaborations will be crucial in shaping a more resilient and environmentally responsible energy system.