BCDA secures P86-B in deals with Aussie firms

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has secured four agreements with a combined value of P86 billion from Australian companies that will focus on smart city solutions.

In a statement on Monday, BCDA said that agreements signed cover the sectors of information and communications technology (ICT), energy, and infrastructure.

“These agreements will help not just the BCDA but the whole country to navigate toward a safe and sustainable future in terms of digital transformation and renewable energy transition,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang.

The business agreements were made during the Philippine Business Forum on the sidelines of the Asean-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia, held from March 3 to 6, 2024.

Among the deals signed is the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kaizen ANZ Pty. Ltd. for the development of a Tier-3 Data Center in Poro Point Freeport Zone, La Union.

The partnership will cover the design, construction, commissioning and funding of a data center to provide efficient computer, network and storage technology capabilities.

Poro Point covers a 236.5-hectare area in North Luzon with access to an airport, seaport and other tourism facilities.

A partnership with St. Battalion GigaFactory Inc. on expanding next-generation battery manufacturing in the country was also signed to support the increase from 600 megawatt hours (MWh) to 2 gigawatt hours (GWh) by 2030.

According to the BCDA, the expansion is estimated to create an additional 500 employment opportunities. The partnership will also make way for the development of at least four more readybuilt factories in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.

The BCDA also inked an MoU with Energy Decarb Pty. Ltd. to deploy decarbonization solutions in New Clark City and other BCDA properties. It also includes the orchestration of renewable energy, storage and e-mobility to reduce energy costs and reliance on grid power.

A partnership with Passenger Urban and Rapid Vehicles Solutions Inc. was also signed to explore opportunities for providing electric vehicle fleets of various types within BCDA properties. This will include the design, installation and operation of fast-charging stations.

New Clark City is a 9,450-hectare greenfield development inside the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone.

“Through these deals, we will also be able to drive inclusive economic growth and create more high-quality employment opportunities for those living within the economic zones we operate,” Bingcang said.

The deals that were signed are in line with the government’s goal to bring in more foreign capital and expertise to the Philippines.