Manila Water energizes largest solar plant installations in 3 key areas
Manila Water activated the three solar power installations at the Cardona Treatment Plant, East La Mesa, and San Juan Compound. These systems can generate a combined 2.5 MWp (or 3.6 million kWh/year). and are projected to mitigate 2,576 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
MANILA, Philippines – Manila Water, in partnership with Ditrolic Energy, inaugurated its 2.5-megawatt (MWp) solar power plants in three key locations on February 18, 2025, with a switching-on ceremony at the company’s San Juan Compound in Quezon City.
In the inauguration attended by Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Chairman Elpidio Vega, MWSS Administrator Leonor “Bobby” Cleofas, Manila Water President and CEO Jocot de Dios, Manila Water Chief Administrative Officer Boj Locsin, Manila Water East Zone COO Arnold Mortera, and Ditrolic Energy Group CEO Tham Chee Aun and their acting country head Macky Castro, the water company symbolically activated the three solar power installations at the Cardona Water Treatment Plant (WTP), East La Mesa WTP, and San Juan Compound.
These three strategic Manila Water facilities have been installed with solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop systems, with a combined capacity of 2.5 MWp which can generate an estimated 3.6 million kWh/year. By adding these renewable energy implements to Manila Water’s energy mix, the company is projected to mitigate 2,576 tons of carbon dioxide annually while aligning with the Department of Energy’s advocacy for renewable energy and the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan.
“In the last couple of years, we tried to make this a reality. We like to quadruple [our use of renewable energy] and grow it as much as possible,” Manila Water President and CEO Jocot de Dios said during his welcome message.
This initiative is a remarkable move toward integrating renewable energy into the water company’s operations. Through a long-term power contract and the use of a sustainable energy source, the initiative aims to lower and stabilize power costs while supporting the company’s objectives of increasing energy efficiency and lowering its carbon impact.
Article continues after this advertisement“I’m glad that this time solar energy is being used to have a sustainable and efficient supply of water. It is really good for MWSS and Manila Water because it will redound to the benefit of the consumers,” MWSS Chairman Elpidio Vega said.
Manila Water demonstrated its long-term commitment to sustainable energy in 2023 when it entered into a 15-year Solar Facility Power Purchase Agreement with Ditrolic.
“We are happy that we have a lot of initiatives coming from our retail supply sector—or the consumer doing their own initiative in ensuring their sustainable energy needs,” Energy Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol said in her appreciation message.
With the energization of the three solar power plants, Manila Water does not just reduce cost and promote sustainability but also helps in promoting energy sufficiency which is aligned with the goal of the DOE.
Manila Water is committed to find innovative ways to make the operations cost-effective whilst remaining dedicated in providing high-quality and affordable water and wastewater services to the communities we served. The Phase 1 Solar installation is just part of the 30MWp Solar portfolio of Manila Water. In addition to switching to renewable energy, Manila Water aggressively promotes energy efficiency among other dynamic initiatives as a major component of its decarbonization goal.
“The successful completion of this solar project showcases the successful collaboration in driving sustainable infrastructure. By deploying 2.5 MWp of solar energy across Manila Water’s key facilities, we are demonstrating how clean energy can be seamlessly integrated into essential utilities operations. Ditrolic Energy is proud to contribute to this milestone, reinforcing our target to deploy more green investment in the country from our climate blended finance fund,” said Tham Chee Aun, Group CEO of Ditrolic Energy.
By investing in renewable energy sources such as solar power, Manila Water secures more sustainable operations while contributing to the broader goal of reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
