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Renewable energy powers growth in Freeport Area of Bataan

A 6-megawatt rooftop solar facility covering 14 factory buildings in the main zone of the Freeport Area of Bataan in Mariveles helps fully power the Freeport with renewable energy while providing locators with direct daytime electricity and reducing grid dependence. (AFAB)

BALANGA CITY — The main zone of the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) in Mariveles is now fully powered by renewable energy following the completion of a diversified clean energy portfolio that combines solar and geothermal power.

A 6-megawatt rooftop solar facility has been installed across 14 factory buildings inside the Freeport, providing locators with direct daytime electricity while reducing grid dependence and minimizing transmission losses.

To meet peak demand, additional capacity comes from the 20-megawatt Mariveles Solar Plant of Citicore Solar Bataan Inc. in Barangay Alas-Asin.

For dependable continuous operations, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) sources baseload power from the Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant in Leyte, which generates 600 megawatts to ensure a steady supply that complements the variability of solar generation.

AFAB Administrator and CEO Mohammed Hussein Pangandaman announced this development during an investment forum, emphasizing that the shift to renewable energy shows how an economic zone can achieve growth while advancing sustainability.

“This combination of resources allows AFAB to sustain industrial activity inside the Freeport while contributing to the country’s broader shift toward clean energy,” Pangandaman said.

With its main zone now fully supplied by renewables, FAB reinforces its position as a competitive investment hub anchored on sustainable and future-ready infrastructure. 

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