AboitizPower: Championing sustainability in the energy industry

Guided by their purpose of “transforming energy for a better world,” Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) has flourished to become a significant figure in the Philippine energy industry. This, as they further their commitment to providing sustainable and renewable energy sources.

As an energy leader in the country, AboitizPower adheres to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Consistently, they work to provide accessible, affordable, reliable, and clean power to Filipinos.

“Without reliable power, we cannot hope to achieve other SDGs related to food security, clean water, sanitation, sustainable cities, and poverty eradication,” Emmanuel Rubio, President and CEO of Aboitiz Power Corporation, said in an interview.

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND CHANGES

Their work, however, hinges on several factors, mainly the local and international political, economic, and regulatory landscapes.

“The availability and reliability of transmission networks…impact our business operations, especially as we, and other power generation companies, grow our portfolio over the next few years. These new capacities should have highways that connect it to the businesses and communities who would be needing the electricity,” he said.

AboitizPower also observes developments in nuclear energy policies in the Philippines as these are set to change the landscape of the energy industry. Moreover, the corporation also deals with the increasing complexities of new technologies and innovations. The constant influx of new tech into the industry requires a more competent and skilled workforce that is ready to take responsibility.

Additionally, the November 2024 primary elections in the US will also affect the future strides that AboitizPower makes. Whoever emerges as the new US president will determine the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the US, affecting energy diplomacy and trade policy alongside both nations’ stances on wider energy and economic issues.

In overcoming these hurdles, AboitizPower assesses their performance based on their work’s impact on the people. They make sure that individuals adhere to three main points: the core beliefs of the corporation, the planet in which they promote sustainability in the energy sector, and profit as AboitizPower sees a 20-percent increase year-per-year.

MOVING FORWARD

To stay on top of their game in the competitive Philippine business environment, AboitizPower uses a three-pronged strategy involving decarbonization, digitalization, and decentralization.

This year and the next, the corporation will apply this strategy by adding more capacities to sustain their diverse power generation portfolio. In 2024, they will be putting into operation the following:

• The 17 MW binary geothermal power plant in Tiwi, Albay

• The 159 MWp solar plant in Laoag, Pangasinan

• The 173 MWp solar project in Calatrava, Negros Occidental

Soon following, in late 2024 to early 2025, are:

• The 44 MWp solar plant in Armenia, Tarlac

• The 85 MWp solar plant in San Manuel, Pangasinan

• The 206 MW wind plant in San Isidro, Northern Samar in partnership with Vena Energy and Vivant Energy

“We target a 50-50 thermal-renewable portfolio mix in the next ten years,” Rubio explained. “Our current pipeline includes new solar, wind, and energy storage systems capacities… While the business of power generation and distribution is a profitable endeavor as it is, given the important role of electricity in economic growth and social development, AboitizPower also intends to shape the decentralization of energy in the Philippines to create smarter and more sustainable communities.”