The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with local firm Samal Solar Renewable Energy Corp., has commissioned a 41.920-megawatt (MW) solar power project in Bataan, marking a significant step toward boosting the country’s renewable energy capacity.
Construction of the facility began in 2024, generating over 1,000 jobs during the build phase. DOE officials noted the project’s long-term value, including sustained employment opportunities in operations and maintenance, as well as workforce training programs developed with local government units and educational institutions.
“This project not only provides clean power but also fuels local development through employment and capacity building,” said DOE assistant secretary Mylene Capongcol, highlighting its broader impact on the municipality of Samal and its host communities, Barangays Gugo and San Juan.
The solar plant is viewed as a key contributor to the country’s clean energy targets. As of end-April 2025, the country’s on-grid solar capacity stands at 3,003 MW, making up 9.7 percent of the national power mix. The DOE oversees 1,392 active renewable energy contracts, including 515 in solar, with a combined installed capacity of 7,050 MW.
