A Philippine food manufacturer has begun using renewable energy at its production facility in Cebu as part of efforts to improve efficiency and support cleaner operations.
Advent Upgrade Solar Inc. (AUSI), a joint venture between Aboitiz Power Distributed Renewables, Inc. and Upgrade Energy Philippines, has partnered with Marcel FoodSciences, Inc. to install and operate a 793.6-kilowatt-peak rooftop solar photovoltaic system at the food manufacturer’s facility in Sibonga.
The system uses more than 1,000 solar panels and is expected to generate about 1.4 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity in its first year.
Melvin Tan, vice president for operations of Marcel FoodSciences, said the solar project will help the company run more efficiently while maintaining its business values.
Marcel FoodSciences is a family-owned Philippine company with more than 50 years of experience producing and exporting seaweed, carrageenan, and carrageenan-based products used in food, pet food, and industrial applications.
Catherine Del-Villar Pasilaban, vice president for retail sales and services at AUSI’s affiliate AdventEnergy, said the companies have worked together for six years through a retail electricity supply agreement. She added that expanding the partnership to include rooftop solar shows how local resources such as seaweed and solar power can support economic growth, jobs, and cleaner industries.
Aboitiz Power Distributed Renewables, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation through Aboitiz Renewables Inc., and holds a 50% stake in AUSI.
