UNITED States-based clean energy technology firm Ally Power Inc. is investing $200 million in a 128-megawatt (MW) power generation project in the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport (Apeco).
The project will help provide electricity to companies operating in Apeco, as well as households and indigenous communities in Casiguran town.
Apeco President and CEO Gil Taway IV and Ally Power Head of Business Development in Asia Leonard Travis signed the agreement on Saturday at the Apeco office in Casiguran town.
Ally Power develops modular stations that produce green hydrogen, electricity, and water on-site, supporting the transition to zero-emission transport and providing energy resilience for remote areas, expanding in the Philippines and Asia-Pacific.
It uses unique processes such as waste aluminum to create energy and materials, supporting microgrids and grid services.
“The proposed project is part of broader efforts to address Aurora’s power challenges and improve the province’s long-term energy reliability, which is critical in attracting new investments and supporting ecozone development,” Taway said.
“We are thrilled to play our part in the development of Aurora province, and especially with the development of Apeco. We hope to work with stakeholders here to not only build infrastructure but also to [create] great jobs and contribute to academic programs for young people,“ Travis said.
Under the memorandum of understanding, a 20-hectare property in Apeco will be allotted to the power facility.
Ally Power will lead technical and investment studies for potential projects, while Apeco will support coordination within the ecozone in line with its mandate to promote sustainable economic development in Aurora.
The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration for technical evaluation, planning and coordination, subject to further studies and regulatory approvals, with specific project details to be covered by separate agreements in the future, Taway said.
Power supply arrangements will be structured in compliance with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) of 2001 and relevant Energy Regulatory Commission rules.
The Epira, or Republic Act 9136, aims to restructure and privatize the electric power industry in the country by allowing competition to improve efficiency and provide consumers with reliable and affordable electricity services.
“We’re looking forward to a long and very engaging relationship with [Apeco]. [We] could extend beyond the initial $200 million [investment], and we hope it maximizes our positive impact on the province,“ Travis said.
Ally Power is also eyeing a partnership with the Aurora State College of Technology for a Clean Energy Center of Excellence to train students in green energy technology.
For this year, Apeco — a government-owned corporation — has a budget of P381.54 million, up 49 percent from P256.02 million last year.
