Pax Silica AI hub to consume 3 gigawatts at full development —BCDA

The Pax Silica project in New Clark City in Tarlac may consume up to 3 gigawatts—equivalent to 3 million kilowatts—daily, according to Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and CEO Joshua Bingcang on Thursday.

In a Palace briefing, Bingcang addressed criticisms against the Pax Silica project raised by some environmental groups, which said that AI hub facilities require excessive amounts of water and energy.

“Initial assessment is to be conservative, around, at full development, mga three gigawatts po iyan,” Bingcang said. (The initial assessment is to be conservative but at full development, it will be around three gigawatts.)

EXPLAINER: What is Pax Silica and why are people worried?

The BCDA chief confirmed that this is only the daily consumption rate. However, he clarified that this will not cut into the current power supplies in the area.

Bingcang said the project's proponent, a U.S.-based company, is responsible for preparing the feasibility study for the planned development. He added that several South Korean and Japanese firms have also expressed interest in participating in the project.

He said the facility is expected to rely primarily on renewable energy, with BCDA aiming to power it mainly through solar energy instead of fossil fuels.

“We are blessed with 300 days of sunshine. So, this project inside of Clark, this means that there will be an embedded power plant,” Bingcang said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Asked if there were more solid commitments to cover the facility’s energy requirements, Bingcang said that there was already 500 megawatts of solar power available, which is equivalent to 500,000 kilowatts.

Several groups have already raised the alarm on Pax Silica, citing the negative effects of AI hubs on the environment.

If the Pax Silica deal is finalized by 2027, construction is expected to begin in 2028, earlier reports said. —LDF, GMA News