In the journey to clean energy and net-zero emissions, the UK has announced it is investing in large solar and wind farms in the Philippines.
As part of the UK-Philippines renewable energy collaboration, the largest solar wind farm to date will be constructed, along with four new wind farms across the country, which will reach a total of 380 MW.
The collaborations were celebrated through two separate events held by the British Embassy in Manila.
The development of these solar and wind farms underscores the UK’s commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions across the world and supporting the transition to cleaner, greener power sources.
Expanding renewable energy capacity in the Philippines
This partnership, backed by an equity investment of $150m, marks a significant step forward in expanding the Philippines’ renewable energy capacity.
The solar and wind farms, which secured offtake agreements through the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), exemplify the potential of partnerships to advance clean energy initiatives.
At one of the events, Actis also celebrated the groundbreaking of the Terra Solar Project in Nueva Ecija, which is set to become the largest solar energy farm in the Philippines.
This project, developed by Solar Philippines New Energy Corporation, is supported by Actis’ monumental $600m equity investment.
The UK’s role in the global energy transition
The Terra Solar Project will provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable power to millions of Filipinos, reinforcing the UK’s role as a key partner in the Philippines’ renewable energy transition.
The groundbreaking ceremony highlighted Actis’ long-term commitment to sustainable infrastructure and clean energy in the Philippines.
His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, explained, “The United Kingdom is proud to partner with the Philippines in its renewable energy journey.
“These investments in solar and wind farms reflect our shared vision for a sustainable future and underscore the strong ties between our two nations.
Beaufils added: “Projects like these not only provide clean energy to millions but also create opportunities for innovation and progress in the fight against climate change.”
Both projects demonstrated the transformative impact of UK-Philippines partnerships in renewable energy.
The Embassy also celebrated Citicore’s achievement in securing $12m in UK investment through its IPO, further solidifying the UK’s support for the Philippines’ clean energy ambitions.
Other UK initiatives to accelerate global climate resilience
The announcement of the solar and wind farms in the Philippines is just one of the recent initiatives the UK has taken to accelerate the global energy transition.
This week, The UK government pledged £239m in funding to halt and reverse deforestation in forest-rich nations, supporting global efforts to tackle climate change.
The funding will protect and restore forests in countries like Colombia and Indonesia, recognising their critical role as ‘carbon sinks’ that absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere annually than the UK and USA emit combined.
Furthermore, the UK will lead support for countries on the front lines of the climate crisis to transition to clean energy in a new package of support unveiled by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband at COP29.
The funding will help climate-vulnerable countries, including African nations and small island states, develop new low-carbon technologies, including innovations in energy storage, zero-emission generators, and clean transport.
It will also support innovations such as material and system efficiencies, which will be instrumental in decarbonising steel, chemicals, cement and concrete industries.
The funding comes after the UK announced an ambitious target to reduce its emissions by 81% by 2035 – showing leadership in tackling climate change while harnessing a range of benefits for the UK, including better jobs, cheaper bills and higher growth.
Together, the construction of the solar and wind farms and other recent initiatives symbolises the UK’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a greener future for all.
