A private consortium is ramping up rural electrification with a P2.1-billion investment to deploy one of the Philippines’ largest portfolios of off-grid microgrids, targeting underserved island communities.
The Maharlika Consortium, through special purpose companies Archipelago Renewables Corp. (ARC) and ARC II, and in partnership with lead developers WEnergy Global and CleanGrid Partners, will build 24 microgrids over the next 15 months. The projects aim to deliver reliable, 24/7 electricity to 11,560 households, benefiting more than 50,000 residents and local enterprises across Palawan, Cebu, and Quezon.
“This is the largest private sector portfolio of its kind in the Philippines,” said WEnergy Global CEO Atem S. Ramsundersingh, noting that construction has begun on several sites.
The expansion follows key approvals from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), paving the way for what the consortium describes as the country’s biggest private investment in rural electrification to date.
The initiative builds on the Sabang Microgrid in Puerto Princesa, operational since 2019, which currently serves over 600 customers near the UNESCO-listed Underground River.
The new portfolio will include 7 megawatt-peak (MWp) of solar photovoltaic capacity, supported by 8.0 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage, 3.5 megawatts of diesel backup, and a 225-kilometer smart distribution network. Projects were awarded under the government’s Qualified Third Party Program and Microgrid Service Provider framework.
Beyond improving energy access, the rollout is expected to generate about 300 construction jobs and 30 permanent positions.
The consortium targets full energization of all 24 sites by Christmas 2026, a milestone expected to unlock economic activity, support small businesses, and enable the expansion of digital services in remote communities.
