The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is intensifying talks with local and foreign energy firms as it races to secure the reliable, clean electricity needed to unlock billions of pesos in investments in data centers, advanced manufacturing and logistics.
For APECO, power is no longer just infrastructure. It is the deciding factor for investors.
APECO President and CEO Gil Taway IV said inadequate electricity remains the ecozone’s biggest bottleneck, with several investors waiting on the sidelines until a dependable power supply is in place.
“I can see that once our electricity is more than sufficient, a lot of people are waiting. They won’t go if they see that there’s a lack of energy. Lack of power,” Taway said.
To address the gap, APECO is negotiating with one of the country’s largest power distribution utilities on a potential investment that would strengthen electricity infrastructure and ensure stable power across the ecozone.
The agency is also widening its search overseas. During an investment mission to Malaysia earlier this month, APECO held exploratory talks with a major regional energy company with renewable energy projects spanning solar, wind and battery energy storage systems. The discussions focused on building the clean-energy backbone needed to attract technology-driven industries.
Taway later traveled to Singapore to finalize negotiations with a renewable energy developer, with both sides aiming to sign an agreement in August. Two Philippine renewable energy firms and a US clean energy company have also expressed interest in investing.
The urgency reflects growing demand from digital infrastructure investors. APECO is preparing for the rollout of InfiniVAN’s cable landing station while courting hyperscale data center operators, including one prospective locator that would require at least 300 megawatts of reliable renewable power.
Beyond supporting data centers, stronger electricity infrastructure is expected to accelerate manufacturing, fisheries, cold-chain facilities, ports, tourism and defense-related projects, highlighting how energy security is becoming the foundation for the ecozone’s next wave of investment growth.
