Vena Energy has officially begun construction on two large-scale solar developments in Ilocos Norte, further strengthening efforts to support the Philippines’ shift toward renewable energy.

Groundbreaking and time capsule ceremonies for the Astra Solar and Opus Solar projects took place on May 5 in Currimao and May 6 in Paoay. Combined, the two developments will add around 380 MWp of renewable energy capacity, expanding Vena Energy’s total solar portfolio in Ilocos Norte to nearly 480 MWp once completed.

The ceremonies were attended by Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, Currimao Mayor Edward Quilala, and Paoay Mayor Shiella Galano, together with Vena Group Chief Operating Officer Juan Mas Valor, Vena Energy Philippines Head Samrinder Nehria, and Head of Project Development Mia Jarumayan.

Astra Solar Project

Astra Solar Energy Corp. formally broke ground on the 80.6 MWp Astra Solar Power Project in Currimao on May 5. Backed by a ₱2.7-billion green financing facility from Security Bank, the project is projected to generate about 142 GWh of clean energy annually.

Once operational, Astra Solar is expected to provide enough electricity to power approximately 120,500 Filipino homes while helping prevent an estimated 95,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year—an environmental impact comparable to planting around 1.5 million trees.

Opus Solar Project

Meanwhile, Opus Solar Energy Corp. held the groundbreaking ceremony for the 300 MWp Opus Solar Project in Paoay on May 6. Covering 190 hectares across Barangays Bacsil and Mumulaan, the development represents a landmark project for the local renewable energy sector.

The project secured a US$210-million green loan funded entirely by seven international banks, making it the country’s first fully non-recourse renewable energy project financed solely by foreign lenders.

Upon completion, Opus Solar is expected to generate enough clean electricity to support the annual energy needs of around 445,000 households while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 349,000 tonnes yearly.

“We are proud to see how our investments continue to create local jobs, support community aspirations, and drive the Philippines’ energy transition forward,” said Juan Mas Valor, Chief Operating Officer of Vena Group.

Supporting Local Communities and Renewable Energy Goals

The new projects build on Vena Energy’s existing renewable energy footprint in Ilocos Norte, which includes the Mirae Asia Energy Corporation’s 20MW solar facility and Nuevo Solar Energy Corp.’s 83.3MW project.

According to the company, its operations in the province have contributed to job generation, increased local revenues, and long-term community initiatives focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability through its corporate social responsibility programs.

“Opus Solar and Astra Solar demonstrate how strong cross-border and local collaboration can accelerate the transition to clean energy while upholding high standards of environmental and social governance,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of Philippines at Vena Energy.

Both developments are aligned with the Philippines’ renewable energy targets of increasing clean energy’s share in the power mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

For more information, visit Vena Group and Vena Energy Official Website.