• Basic Energy targets 1 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
• The company is also working on a 50-MW wind project in Batangas.

Basic Energy Corporation plans to develop 500 megawatts (MW) of wind and 500 MW of solar energy projects by 2030 as part of its long-term strategy to expand its renewable energy portfolio, according to Vice Chairman and CEO Oscar L. de Venecia, Jr.

Wind and solar projects in the pipeline

Basic Energy is currently working on a 50-MW wind power project in Mabini, Batangas, alongside RDG Wind Energy, a joint venture with Japanese renewable energy developer Renova.

The P5-billion wind farm covers 4,860 hectares and is expected to be completed by 2027. The project will consist of at least 10 wind turbine generators. De Venecia said the company is focused on making the 50 MW project operational first. Once it’s running, the company will assess the wind resource data to determine if expansion is feasible, noting that there is still space along the ridges of the site for potential growth.

In addition to the Mabini project, Basic Energy recently secured exclusive rights to develop the Balayan wind project near the Calatagan peninsula. The project was awarded under a service contract from the Department of Energy (DOE) and is expected to add 168 MW to the Luzon grid’s generation capacity. Basic Energy plans to check wind strength in the area during the pre-development stage and is required to declare the ability to produce a profit in the next five years. If completed, the Balayan project could increase the company’s total wind capacity to around 350-400 MW.

Basic Energy is also advancing plans for a 155-MW onshore wind project between Iloilo and Antique. The project recently received approval and will increase further the company’s renewable energy footprint.

The company is also looking at nearshore wind projects, including facilities providing up to 150 MW in Calatagan, Batangas, and 100 MW in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. Combined, the three projects represent an estimated investment of $760 million.

“We will be commencing the wind resource assessment as soon as we have obtained a favourable system impact study from NGCP (National Grid Corp. of the Philippines). Once we have established that connectivity, we will go full swing already with resource assessment,” de Venecia said.

Expanding solar and clean energy infrastructure

Basic Energy’s interests include an increase to its solar generation operations. The company has applied to build two solar projects in Negros and Bataan with a combined capacity of 90 MW. If approved, these would support the company’s goal of balancing wind and solar output to create what it feels is a more stable renewable energy portfolio.

Basic Energy’s investments include clean energy infrastructure. Earlier this year, the company launched an electric vehicle charging station along Edsa. The EV station is part of a broader effort to promote electric transport and reduce emissions in the sector.

Strategic growth in the renewable energy market

Basic Energy’s growing wind and solar portfolio is part of the company’s objective increase its position in renewable energy. De Venecia said the company’s priorities include increasing generation capacity and integrating new technologies. “We want to be a long-term participant in the energy sector. We have been here since the first discovery of oil in the Philippines. We were part of that. Now, things have changed, and people are looking at different [sources] now. We want to be a part of that. As we keep growing, we also want to see where we can participate in bringing newer technologies later on.”