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Levanta Renewables has broken ground on a ₱5-billion solar and battery storage project in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, adding a major renewable energy facility to the Visayas’ power supply pipeline as electricity demand continues to rise in the region.
The Barotac Viejo Solar Power Project will feature a 166-megawatt-peak ground-mounted solar photovoltaic facility paired with an 80-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system. Developed through project company Magallanes Solar Energy Corp., the facility is targeted to begin commercial operations in the second quarter of 2027.
Once operational, the project is expected to generate about 261 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to supply roughly 136,000 households, according to Levanta.
The company also estimates that the facility will avoid around 200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year compared with conventional power generation.
Battery Storage
The addition of the battery system is expected to improve the project’s ability to support the grid by storing electricity generated by the solar facility during periods of strong sunlight and releasing it when power is needed.
This allows part of the solar output to remain available beyond daylight hours and could help reduce reliance on conventional generation while supporting grid reliability.
The project was awarded capacity through the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program, the government’s competitive procurement mechanism for accelerating renewable energy investments. Levanta completed the project’s financial close and issued its notice to proceed in May 2026.
China Energy Engineering Corp. has been selected as the project’s engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by representatives of the DOE, national and local government agencies, project partners and community stakeholders. The event also included the lowering of a project time capsule.
“The groundbreaking marks an important milestone for the Barotac Viejo Solar Power Project and reflects the collective effort of our government partners, host communities and project teams,” Levanta Renewables chief executive Pramod Singh said.
“We appreciate the support of the Department of Energy, the Provincial Government of Iloilo, the Municipality of Barotac Viejo, our project partners and the local community in reaching this important milestone,” Singh added.
He said the company would focus on completing construction safely and responsibly while creating long-term value for host communities.
Energy Security
DOE Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Marissa Cerezo, who delivered a message on behalf of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, said the project demonstrated the continued momentum of renewable energy development in the Philippines.
“Utility-scale solar generation, complemented by battery energy storage, will play an increasingly important role in strengthening energy security, improving grid reliability and supporting a more sustainable energy future for the country,” Cerezo said.
For Barotac Viejo, the project is also expected to create economic opportunities through employment, local procurement and the engagement of suppliers and contractors during construction.
Mayor Nielo Tupas said the facility could provide jobs and livelihood opportunities while becoming a landmark for the municipality. He described the project as a sign that Barotac Viejo was embracing modernization and sustainable development.
The project expands Levanta’s presence in the Philippine renewable energy market. The Singapore-headquartered company develops, builds and operates utility-scale solar, wind and energy storage projects across Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.
Levanta has more than 90 professionals across Southeast Asia and a portfolio of 762 megawatts of projects operating or under construction, alongside a development pipeline exceeding 1 gigawatt.
Its regional assets include solar portfolios in Thailand and the Philippines, as well as wind projects in Vietnam. Levanta is wholly owned by sustainable infrastructure investor Actis, which became part of General Atlantic’s global investment platform in 2024.
The Barotac Viejo project is expected to become part of the Philippines’ expanding renewable energy capacity as the government seeks to diversify the power mix, improve energy security and accommodate growing electricity requirements.
Source:
https://www.dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/levanta-breaks-ground-on-166-mwp-iloilo-solar-project