Zamboanga del Norte gets a renewable energy boost as a 15-hectare solar power facility is planned for construction in Barangay La Union, La Libertad. The project, a joint undertaking between the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Astroenergy Development Dipolog Inc., aims to strengthen the province’s clean energy capacity.
The project site, a former agrarian reform land now granted to Astroenergy, will be developed in two phases. The solar power facility is designed to generate electricity for wholesale supply to the Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZANECO), the province’s local distribution utility.
A field assessment was recently conducted by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer of DAR Zamboanga del Norte, Rizzel Villanueva, to verify the progress report submitted by Astroenergy. The visit aimed to confirm ongoing developments at the designated project site.
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Implementation plan
To fulfill the power needs of the province, the completed solar facility will be equipped with around 10,000 panels, according to Villanueva.
Employment is a key benefit of the project, which is expected to open new job opportunities once operational. It also aims to help bring down electricity costs and drive local economic growth, offering direct advantages to farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in surrounding communities.
With the solar facility expected to operate for 20 to 25 years, the parties involved will conduct a review at the end of its lifespan to evaluate the possibility of renewing the agreement with ZANECO.
(Also read: Mindanao Pushes for Energy Security Through Solar)
RE expansion in Mindanao
In December 2024, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) signed two agreements to boost renewable energy and blue economy efforts in Mindanao. The agreements, made with Untapped Energies and a consortium led by One Blue Marble (OBM) and Climate Capital Development Corp. (CCDC), aim to support sustainable growth, specifically in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) region.
MinDA’s collaboration with Untapped Energies targets the integration of advanced technologies, such as micro-wind systems, hydrokinetic turbines, and hybrid setups, to unlock Mindanao’s untapped energy potential. The initiative prioritizes off-grid and underserved areas, with efforts focused on launching projects that draw renewable energy investments and enhance the region’s energy self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, MinDA’s partnership with OBM and CCDC aims to strengthen Mindanao’s blue economy by aligning marine conservation with economic progress. The collaboration will support marine-based renewable energy, promote sustainable coastal industries, implement circular practices like waste and water management, and boost ocean livelihoods such as seaweed farming and tuna production.
In line with the Mindanao 2030 Peace and Development Framework Plan, the two partnerships contribute to the region’s vision of lasting peace and economic progress. Through these efforts, MinDA aims to establish Mindanao as a benchmark for sustainable development both nationally and globally.
Sources:
https://pia.gov.ph/dar-eyes-establishing-solar-power-plant-in-zamboanga-del-norte/
https://minda.gov.ph/news/1167-2025-01-10-02-39-43
