3 weeks ago
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Louella Desiderio - The Philippine Star
February 23, 2025 | 12:00am
Green lane certifications: Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo (4th from left) hands over the Green Lane Certificates to Upgrade Energy Philippines Inc. president and CEO Ruth Yu-Owen (5th from left) for two solar power projects with a combined investment of P3.62 billion. The certification aims to fast-track the 56.77-megawatt Cabangan solar project in Zambales worth P2.11 billion and the 47-MW Pontevedra solar power project in Capiz worth P1.51 billion as the government expedites strategic investments in the renewable energy sector.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — Upgrade Energy Philippines Inc. (UGEP) has secured green lane certification for its renewable energy projects worth P3.62 billion.
In a statement, the Board of Investments (BOI) said it awarded green lane certificates of endorsement to UGEP for its 56.77-megawatt Cabangan solar project in Zambales with an estimated cost of P2.11 billion and the 47-MW Pontevedra solar power project in Capiz amounting to P1.51 billion.
The green lane certification will allow the projects to enjoy expedited approval and processing of permits.
UGEP’s solar power projects are part of the 184 strategic investments endorsed by the BOI One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments for green lane services with a total cost of P4.61 trillion.
In terms of employment, UGEP’s projects are expected to generate up to 331 temporary and permanent direct jobs during the construction and commissioning period.
Long-term roles in operations and maintenance will also be available over the 25-year project life.
Apart from job creation, the projects are expected to support infrastructure development and community growth through additional tax revenue and investment.
“With the BOI’s green lane facilitation, our projects will benefit from streamlined processing of permits and licenses, ensuring swift and efficient collaboration with national and local agencies,” UGEP president and CEO Ruth Yu-Owen said.
“This endorsement not only validates our vision but also energizes our resolve to deliver a transformative renewable energy initiative that will power thousands of homes, reduce carbon emissions and set a bold precedent for future green investments,” she said further.
UGEP is a leading project development, engineering, procurement and construction company specializing in renewable energy solutions.
Amid the global shift to clean energy, the Philippines is facilitating renewable energy projects through Executive Order 18, which created the green lanes to streamline the processing of licenses and permits for investments that are expected to drive economic growth and create high impact.
As technology continues to advance and costs are reduced, Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo expressed optimism about the further expansion of onshore wind energy and integration of solar power with battery storage.
He also underscored the need for responsible project implementation to minimize environmental impacts related to tree cutting and land use.
