As part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing decarbonization in its operations, Manila Water is set to install solar power systems in three key facilities this month. This renewable energy expansion is a vital step in the company’s strategy to lower its carbon footprint while ensuring sustainable water services for its customers, in support of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (NEECP) of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the government’s goal towards energy sufficiency whilst promoting sustainability.
Three strategic locations will pioneer Manila Water’s East Zone solar power installations: the Cardona Treatment Plant (TP), East La Mesa Treatment Plant (TP), and the San Juan Compound. With the total installation capacity of 2.5 MWp, the estimated solar power generation is at 3.6 MkWh/year, deloading the grid and helping avert yellow and red alerts. These grid electricity deloading and usage of RE will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2,564 tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) annually as well as mitigate rising power costs, which ultimately affect water rates for customers.
“As a company whose business is heavily reliant on nature, it is imperative for us to be proactive in ensuring environmental sustainability across all aspects of our operations. The Decentralized Solar installation is just one of the many energy-saving measures Manila Water is undertaking as part of our Energy and Sustainability Masterplan,” Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla shares.
In 2023, Manila Water partnered with Ditrolic Energy for a 15-year Solar Facility Power Purchase Agreement worth Php217 million, underscoring both companies’ long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible use of energy. The target installation period of the solar PV systems in the three mentioned locations is set for the fourth quarter of 2024. Once fully completed, Manila Water’s solar facility projects will increase the facilities’ operational efficiency, benefiting residents of Metro Manila, Rizal Province, San Juan City, and Quezon City.
Driving Decarbonization through Energy Efficiency
Aside from transitioning to renewable energy, Manila Water recognizes that energy efficiency is a key driver of its decarbonization strategy. Across all business units, both in the East Zone and Non-East Zone operations, certified energy managers and conservation officers conduct regular energy audits. These audits identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and improve operational efficiency, in line with ISO 50001 Energy Management standards and compliance with Republic Act No. 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.
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.#
