Manila Pact Brings Clean Energy Push to Visayas, Palawan Island Grids
A strategic clean energy alliance formed in Manila is set to drive renewable power and storage projects across the islands of Visayas and Palawan. Primelectric Holdings and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power have signed a joint study agreement to explore large-scale solar, wind, and hybrid systems aimed at bringing affordable, reliable electricity to off-grid and underpowered regions. This green transition aims to reduce fossil fuel dependency, enhance grid resilience, and accelerate energy equity across the Philippine archipelago.
The agreement brings together global renewable powerhouse ACWA Power and local utility operator Primelectric Holdings, with a shared focus on energy innovation in the island provinces of Negros, Panay, and Palawan. These regions, currently grappling with inconsistent power supply and high electricity costs, are seen as high-potential zones for clean energy deployment. Under the deal, Primelectric will provide critical site-level data and regional insights, while ACWA Power will lead development, financing, and operational responsibilities. The goal is to design hybrid clean energy systems tailored to local demand, with integrated battery storage to address intermittency and load management challenges. By fusing ACWA’s international scale and Primelectric’s community-based reach, the initiative sets the stage for sustainable infrastructure that can be replicated across other island networks. The move is timely as the Philippines pushes to meet its renewable targets while addressing grid fragility, particularly in remote and weather-vulnerable coastal areas.
Experts view this collaboration as a critical blueprint for accelerating decentralised energy transitions in island economies. The study aims to assess technical and financial feasibility for large-scale projects, with a commitment to fast-track development once viable opportunities are confirmed. These include solar photovoltaic farms, wind installations, and energy storage systems—each designed to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance supply stability in power-hungry zones. Local utilities under Primelectric’s banner—including MORE Power, Negros Power, and Bohol Light—stand to benefit from advanced technologies, global capital access, and capacity-building efforts. According to senior representatives, this joint approach allows for real-time technology transfer while supporting government ambitions of achieving energy independence through cleaner, smarter solutions. If successful, the partnership could serve as a cornerstone for future multi-country collaborations in Southeast Asia, marrying local knowledge with global clean energy expertise to address climate and development goals in tandem.
The Manila-based partnership between Primelectric and ACWA Power signals a strong intent to transform the energy landscape of the Visayas and Palawan. Beyond reducing emissions, the projects could significantly cut electricity costs and ensure power security in underserved communities. As the Philippines balances economic growth with sustainability imperatives, such collaborations offer a path toward decentralised, climate-resilient power networks. With shared technical responsibilities and rapid deployment plans, this alliance stands to redefine energy access and regional cooperation, laying the groundwork for a renewable-powered future across the archipelago’s fragile island grids.
