Vena Group breaks ground for two solar projects in Ilocos Norte

The Vena Energy Group, a green energy solutions provider across the Asia Pacific, has broken ground for two solar projects in Ilocos Norte, set to generate some 380 megawatt peak (MWp) to power some 565,000 households annually.

According to the Vena Group, its unit Astra Solar Energy Corp. broke ground on its 80.6 MWp Solar Power Project in Currimao on May 5. The project is expected to generate some 142 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy to power 120,500 households.

It is also set to avoid an estimated 95,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees.

Vena Group’s unit Opus Solar Energy also broke ground on its 300 MWp Opus Solar Project in Paoay, which covers 190 hectares in Bacsil and Mumulaan, on May 6. This is expected to supply power to 445,000 households and avoid 349,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

The group secured a P2.7-billion green project finance facility from Security Bank for the Astra Solar Project and a $210-million green loan from seven global financial institutions for the Opus Solar.

“We are proud to see how our investments continue to create local jobs, support community aspirations, and drive the Philippines’ energy transition forward,” Vena Group chief operating officer Juan Mas Valor said in a statement.

“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,” Vena Energy Philippines head Samrinder Nehria said.

Both projects were Green Lane certified by the Board of Investments (BOI), streamlining government approvals, including those from local government units and regulatory bodies.

The Philippines, a net importer of fuel, has been impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, prompting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to declare a state of national energy emergency in March 2026. —AOL, GMA News