Aboitiz Upgrade Solar Inc. (AUSI) is constructing a solar facility within Republic Cement & Building Materials Inc’s (RCBM) Norzagaray facility in Bulacan, Philippines, under a long-term power purchase agreement. AUSI, a joint venture between Aboitiz Power Corp and Upgrade Energy Philippines, will fund and manage the project, while RCBM will exclusively purchase the energy generated to power its cement operations.
Scheduled for completion in the second half of the year, the ground-mounted solar project marks a milestone in the integration of renewable energy into industrial operations. AUSI chairperson Ruth Yu-Owen highlighted the partnership as part of a shared vision to “utilise renewable energy to fuel industrial development” while supporting the Philippines’ transition to sustainable energy.
Republic Cement CEO, Roman Menz, affirmed that the solar project aligns with the company’s sustainability goals, enabling operational savings and reducing emissions. “By integrating solar energy into our operations, we take a decisive step toward reducing emissions and contributing to a more sustainable Philippines,” Mr Menz said.
This initiative supports AboitizPower’s aim to expand its renewable capacity to 4600MW over the next five years, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable energy solutions. “This deal sets a new benchmark for solar adoption in the industrial sector,” said James Yu, AboitizPower’s first vice president and retail head.
The Republic Cement Group operates five cement plants and one grinding station with a total capacity of 9.7Mta, and remains a key supplier of construction materials to the local market.
