Engineering firm Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been selected by Terra Solar Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), to support an innovative energy project in the Philippines. The project includes a 3,500-megawatt (MW) solar power plant paired with a 4,500 MW battery energy storage system, making it one of the largest combined facilities of its kind globally.
Valued at approximately $3.3 billion (PHP 200 billion), the initiative seeks to provide 12% of the Philippines’ total energy consumption once operational. Currently, the country heavily relies on coal for electricity generation, a dependency this project aims to reduce.
A major impact on energy transition
According to Jacobs Vice President Fiachra Ó Cléirigh, this initiative is expected to not only reduce the Philippines’ dependence on coal but also cut energy-related emissions while strengthening the resilience of the country’s energy system.
The project, spanning 3,000 hectares (11.5 square miles) about 150 kilometers (93 miles) north of Manila, will leverage advanced technologies. Jacobs plans to utilize digital construction management tools and drones to monitor on-site tasks, inspect locations, and oversee progress.
A collaboration for a sustainable energy model
Dennis B. Jordan, President of MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration. He noted that the combination of solar and storage technologies would not only provide an eco-friendly solution but also compete with conventional energy sources.
Jacobs will also oversee supply chain logistics, managing the production, inspection, shipping, and installation of millions of solar panels required for this monumental infrastructure.
Jacobs: A key player in global energy projects
This initiative is part of Jacobs’ broader involvement in renewable energy projects worldwide. In Europe, the firm is working on Suedlink, one of the largest underground power cable projects. In the United States, Jacobs serves as the program manager for ARCHES (Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems), a project to establish a clean hydrogen hub in California.
Through these initiatives, Jacobs demonstrates its expertise in supporting complex energy projects, contributing to the development of sustainable and innovative energy systems.
