Acciona expands presence, social impact activities

Spanish conglomerate Acciona, a global leader in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy, is expanding its presence in the Philippines through the acquisition of an 80 percent stake in Freya Renewables, a consulting firm for renewable development.

The acquisition, made by unit Acciona Energía, brings an additional portfolio of 880 megawatts (MW) under development in the country.

Acciona Energía will construct, operate and maintain a 150-MW solar power plant in Daanbantayan, Cebu, which will be the country’s first public-private-partnership in solar power generation.

The renewable energy company recently announced the development of another 156-MW wind farm in the municipality of Pantabangan, located 150 kilometers north of Manila. Additionally, it has commenced construction of the 100-MW Kalayaan 2 wind farm in Laguna province.

Acciona already has a significant presence in the Philippines,

where it has been operating through its water and construction business since 2016 and has developed flagship projects such as the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) and the Putatan II and Laguna Lake drinking water treatment plants.

In a recent visit to the country, Acciona chairman and CEO José Manuel Entrecanales also committed to expanding the activities of acciona.org, the company’s foundation, providing access to electricity through solar home systems in Palawan’s underserved communities as part of its “Light at Home” program.

Through collaborations with the Ayala Foundation and co-financing with the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID), 600 households have already benefited from Acciona’s clean energy program for off-grid and underserved communities. It now plans to extend support to 600 more homes, along with 20 community centers and businesses.