MARIVELES, Bataan: The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) announced that it has secured a sustainable energy framework that provides both reliability for industries and accountability to the environment, turning the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) here fully powered by renewable energy.
AFAB information officers Hazel Keith Elloren and Faye Arceo made the announcement to a group of Bataan and Olongapo City reporters in Balanga City on Monday, December 29.
They shared the good news that AFAB has completed a clean and diversified power portfolio by combining solar and geothermal sources,
They reported that a 6-megawatt rooftop solar facility was installed in 14 factory buildings supplying daytime electricity to enterprises that lessens grid dependence and avoided transmission losses. “By providing power where it is consumed, AFAB ensures that locators benefit from efficient and environmentally responsible operations.”
During peak hours, AFAB gets additional supply from the 20 – megawatt Mariveles Solar Plant in Barangay Alas-Asin here. “This external capacity strengthens FAB’s portfolio while maintaining consistency of supply during periods of heavy demand.”
To meet the continuous 24-hour operations, AFAB depends on the 600MGW Tongonon Geothermal Power Plant In Leyte guaranteeing the delivery of stable electricity inside FAB.
“This shift means that industries inside FAB can operate with a stable and predictable energy supply while lowering costs linked to transmission losses and fuel price fluctuations. For investors, it signals that the FAB is not only equipped with modern infrastructure but is also adapting to the changing requirements of global trade where low carbon operations are valued,” Elloren and Arceo furthered.
They explained that the renewable framework also reduces FAB’s exposure to power interruptions. “This gives locators the confidence that their production schedules and long term plans are backed by dependable supply.”
“AFAB shows how an economic zone can reduce reliance on fossil fuels without compromising industrial performance by combining rooftop solar, utility – scale solar and geothermal baseload into one system,” the two added.
Elloren and Arceo concluded that clean energy can serve as the backbone of an active industrial zone and that sustainable power solutions can directly support jobs, productivity and investment. (30)
