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EcoSolar Energy Corp. has obtained environmental clearance for its 98.2-megawatt solar project in Capiz, paving the way for construction of what is expected to become PetroGreen Energy Corp.’s largest solar facility and a new source of power for the Visayas grid.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6, granted an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to the Panitan Solar Power Project (PSPP), allowing the development to move forward after completing the country’s environmental assessment requirements.
The project, located in the municipality of Panitan in Capiz province, is being developed by EcoSolar Energy Corp. (ESEC), a subsidiary of PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC). PetroGreen is a joint venture between PetroEnergy Resources Corp. and Japan-based Kyuden International Corp.
PetroGreen’s Largest Solar Facility
With a planned capacity of 98.2 megawatts direct current (MWdc), the Panitan Solar Power Project is set to become the largest solar facility in PetroGreen’s portfolio once completed.
Company officials said the ECC was secured following an extensive permitting process that began in November 2025. The clearance enables the company to proceed with the remaining pre-development activities and construction works for the solar farm.
The project is targeted for completion before the end of 2028, subject to the completion of development requirements and the upgrade of the 138-kilovolt Panitan substation by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP). The solar facility will connect to the grid through the upgraded substation.
An ECC serves as certification that a project has complied with environmental requirements under the Philippines’ Environmental Impact Assessment System and may proceed without causing significant adverse environmental impacts when implemented under approved conditions.
Boost For the Visayas Grid
PetroGreen said the project is expected to contribute additional renewable energy capacity to the Visayas grid, which has experienced recurring red and yellow alerts in recent years due to tight power supply conditions.
“As important, this investment by the Yuchengco Group of Companies will add much-needed power to the Visayas grid, which has been plagued by constant red and yellow alerts recently,” said Yrel V. Ventura, PGEC assistant vice president for environment and community relations.
Ventura added that the project received support from Capiz provincial leaders, Panitan municipal officials and other stakeholders, who cited its importance as the province’s first utility-scale solar power facility.
Economic And Agricultural Benefits
Aside from electricity generation, the company said the project is expected to create jobs during construction and operations, generate local procurement opportunities, and support community development initiatives in the host area.
A key feature of the development is the planned integration of an agrivoltaics component, which combines solar power generation with agricultural activities. The approach is intended to support both energy and food security by allowing crop production, nursery operations, and other farm-based enterprises to coexist with solar infrastructure in barangays Timpas and Capangao.
The company said the dual-use design aims to maximize land productivity while providing long-term benefits to local communities.
Battery Storage Project
The solar project complements PetroGreen’s broader renewable energy expansion plans in Panitan.
EcoSolar previously secured an ECC for a standalone 20-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) in November 2025. The storage facility is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026 and is expected to enhance the reliability and flexibility of renewable power integration in the area.
PetroGreen currently operates four utility-scale solar projects in Tarlac, Bohol, and Nueva Ecija, with four additional projects under development.
Source:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/02/petrogreen-unit-secures-environmental-clearance-for-capiz-solar-farm