Manila Standard Today reported that the Energy Department approved seven solar power projects in 2011 with a combined capacity of 190.08 MWs and investments of around USD 475 million.

Two of the biggest solar projects approved were those of Energy Logics Philippines of the Delgado Group for its 50 MW Pasuquin Burgos station in Ilocos Norte and Belgium's Enfinity Philippines Renewable Resources Inc, which is building a 50 MW facility in Clark Freeport in Mabalacat in Pampanga.

The department also approved the application of Youil Renewable Energy Corporation of Korea for its 30 MW EB Magalona solar power project in Negros Occidental. A solar project costs around USD 2.5 million per MW to construct.

The department cleared the application of ATN Philippines Solar Energy Group Inc for its 30 MW Rodriguez solar power project in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Other solar approved projects last year were those of JS Construction & Development Inc in Taytay, Rizal, 0.08 MW and PhilNewEnergy Inc in Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur.

The Philippine Solar Power Alliance earlier said there were about 70 projects with a total of 400 MW that applied with the department. The group has asked the department to increase the 50 MW installation target for solar.

(Sourced from www.manilastandardtoday.com)