Ayala-led ACEN Corp. is ramping up its international renewable energy investments, with a strategic focus on Australia, Vietnam, and Lao PDR, as part of its corporate goal to grow clean energy capacity and enhance its global commercial footprint.
Jose Maria Zabaleta, executive chairman of ACEN Australia, said the company is building a “strong and diverse” portfolio across wind, solar, pumped hydro, and battery storage technologies. ACEN already has over 1,000 MW of renewable capacity in operation in Australia, with 200 MW under construction and more than 2,000 MW set for development within three years.
“This positions ACEN to help achieve Australia’s energy transition objectives and reflects our long-term commitments,” Zabaleta told reporters, highlighting Australia’s plan to retire all coal-fired power plants by 2038.
Notable projects include the 400 MW AC New England Solar 1 and the 400 MW AC Stubbo solar farms, along with a 200 MW/400 MWh battery energy storage system under construction. Future developments will include the 900 MW Valley of the Winds wind project and the 600 MW AC Birriwa solar and battery projects.
In Vietnam, ACEN marked a key milestone with the 600 MW Monsoon Wind Power Project, which began commercial operations on August 22. Located in southern Lao PDR and exporting power to Vietnam, the project features 133 wind turbines and is expected to offset 1.3 million metric tons of CO₂ annually.
The project was initiated by Impact Electrons Siam and developed by Monsoon Wind Power Co. Ltd., with ACEN holding a stake alongside regional and international partners including BCPG and STP&I of Thailand, Mitsubishi Corp. and Diamond Generating Asia Ltd. of Japan, and Lao-based SMP Consultation.
Financing was secured from a consortium of global and regional lenders led by the Asian Development Bank, with support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and other financial institutions.
ACEN aims to grow its total renewable capacity to 20,000 MW by 2030 and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Its growing global portfolio also includes projects in the U.S., India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Taiwan.
