Acwa Power Philippines and Emerging Power Inc. (EPI), the power generation unit of Nickel Asia Corp., have signed a deal to jointly develop up to 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy and natural gas-fired power facilities across the country.
Their goal includes building large-scale power capacity, jointly joining the government’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEA), and supplying electricity to retail providers and distribution utilities. Under GEA rules, qualified developers compete for guaranteed fixed rates by offering prices at or below levels set by the Energy Regulatory Commission. Projects selected through the program must meet set completion deadlines to keep their incentives, which are funded by a small charge included in the monthly bills of all grid-connected consumers.
Both arenon the lookout for new power sites nationwide and focus on projects that let them join GEA in the near term, while aligning with their shared long-term goals. Acwa CEO Dr. Samir Serhan noted the Philippines has one of Southeast Asia’s most aggressive clean energy targets, and hitting it requires partners capable of delivering big projects quickly. He added EPI brings strong local expertise, existing renewable assets, and a solid growth plan, while Acwa offers 30 years of experience finishing large power and water projects on schedule and within budget. He emphasized the 5,000 MW target is only a starting point.
EPI chairman and CEO Martin Antonio Zamora said the collaboration will speed up the country’s shift toward a low-carbon economy. Acwa Philippines country general manager Salman Baray said joining GEA is an initial step, but the greater value lies in building a long-term project pipeline, including reliable power supply where the grid needs it most.
Acwa Power Philippines is part of Acwa, the world’s largest private water desalination firm and a global leader in energy transition and large-scale green hydrogen development. EPI meanwhile aims to reach 458 MW in total capacity by the end of this year, up from 293 MW in 2025, as two of its solar facilities begin operations. Its current assets include a 172 MW solar plant in Subic, run through its unit Jobin SQM Inc.
This partnership combines international project experience with local market knowledge, potentially boosting the country’s power supply security while helping meet national clean energy goals and expanding capacity for both grid and retail customers.
