The 797-megawatt Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric complex in Laguna has been formally turned over to the Thunder Consortium, marking a major step in strengthening the country’s power system as more renewable energy comes online.
The facility, now owned and operated by a group led by Aboitiz Renewables Inc. with Japan’s Sumitomo Corp. and Electric Power Development Co. Ltd., is considered a key support asset for the Luzon grid. Its pumped-storage units can store excess power and quickly release electricity during peak demand, helping prevent outages and stabilize supply.
Energy officials and the new owners said the CBK complex plays an important role in balancing the grid, especially as solar and wind power—both dependent on weather—continue to expand. By providing reserve power and other essential support services, the facility helps ensure reliable electricity even as the energy mix shifts toward cleaner sources.
The turnover follows the consortium’s securing of ₱35 billion in bridge loans to partly fund the acquisition. AboitizPower said the CBK complex fits into its broader plan to significantly expand renewable energy capacity by 2030, while maintaining a stable and dependable power supply for consumers.
