Vivant to hike investments in renewables, bulk water
Publicly listed Cebu-based Vivant Corp. said it will invest further in energy and water infrastructure, including bulk water supply and wastewater treatment.
Vivant President Arlo A. G. Sarmiento said the company will look into new technologies and improvements into existing technologies that would help it grow its presence in the industry while promoting more sustainable energy.
Vivant Energy COO Emil Andre Garcia said the company will invest over P2 billion in renewable and energy storage technologies, as well as in the hybridization of existing power plants.
“Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, we are well-situated to carry on and thrive by adapting and future-proofing our investments in power. To continue supporting Vivant’s mission of bringing excellence to industries that improve everyday living, Vivant Energy will continue to grow its position in the power industry so Vivant can endeavor to enter into new waters,” Garcia said.
In 2019, Vivant reported an attributable net income of P2.34 billion, a 35-percent increase from the previous year's P1.73 billion. Vivant’s income is driven mainly by its power generation business.
Vivant Energy is the holding arm of power-related investments of the publicly listed firm. With Vivant Energy focusing on growing the power business, its parent firm has been active in looking for opportunities in water-related industries.
Jess Anthony Garcia, the company's Svp-business Development for Infrastructure said the company is looking at providing water supply solutions, particularly in waterparched Cebu, and in other key areas in the country.
“We are looking at different aspects of the water industry value chain. We intend to address the water problems in Cebu and other key areas in the country by looking at opportunities for bulk water supply, water distribution, waste water treatment, and water engineering and solutions,” he said.
Vivant's wholly owned subsidiary, Vivant Hydrocore Holdings Inc., has partnered with Israeli company Watermatic International to develop solutions for bulk water supply and water treatment for industry and agriculture. One of the projects that the group is developing with its partners is a wastewater treatment facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Vivant chairman and CEO Ramontito E. Garcia said that while the group may not be biggest player in the energy sector and is new to water, its track record as a reliable partner precedes it in whatever industry it chooses to venture into.
“Our partners and communities know that we keep our word. This is why time and time again, they come back to us with new projects, new opportunities,” he said.
“While we pride ourselves as a future-facing company, our integrity is built on values cemented in our history, where promises are kept. We reject the notion that you have to sacrifice honor in the name of profit,” he said.