Manila Water partners with Ditrolic for 2.5MWp solar projects

Manila Water President and CEO Jocot de Dios (center left), Ditrolic Solar Philippines Executive Director Emmanuel Yu (center right), Manila Water East Zone Chief Operating Officer Arnold Mortera (left), and Ditrolic Solar Philippines’ Regional Head for C&I Projects Darryl Lai (right) sign the 15 Years Solar Facility Power Purchase Agreement for the 2.5-megawatt peak (MWp) solar projects in three facilities at the MWSS Main Office in Balara, Quezon City, on 24 November 2023.

Manila Water is embarking on a landmark sustainable energy project with the signing of a fifteen (15) years Solar Facility Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ditrolic Energy Philippines for the 2.5-megawatt peak (MWp) solar projects in three of its facilities.

The PPA will put in motion the construction and management of three solar facilities that will blend solar renewable energy with Manila Water’s current energy mix.

The East Zone concessionaire also sees this shift to renewable energy as cutting a significant portion of the three facilities’ daytime peak energy demand from conventional electricity suppliers.

Designed to be a long-term power-producing asset, the solar facilities are expected to supply renewable clean energy in their designated Manila Water facilities.

“Manila Water remains committed to achieving our goals that shape our approach to environmental and community stewardship. This project with Ditrolic Energy will be valuable for us in delivering essential services while continuing environmental stewardship for a sustainable and resilient future,” Manila Water President and CEO Jocot de Dios said.

Ditrolic Energy Philippines, for its part, is tasked with the construction and management of the solar facilities to be installed in three Manila Water sites, namely the East La Mesa Water Treatment Plant with 0.5 MWp, the Cardona Treatment Plant with 1.0 MWp, and the San Juan Reservoir with 1.0 MWp.

Mr. Tham Chee Aun, Group CEO of Ditrolic Energy said, “We see Manila Water as a priority client, catering to the water needs of the east zone of Metro Manila. Recognizing their significance as a crucial water utility infrastructure in Manila, we are committed to supporting them on their path towards achieving net zero carbon goals.”

Aside from mitigating the rising cost of conventional energy sources, this massive move to renewable energy is part of the company’s concerted effort to cut down on its operational greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

In 2022, Manila Water reduced its GHG emission by 16,960 tons of CO2 by procuring at least 20% of its total power purchases from renewable energy sources. This approach, with the collaborative project alongside Ditrolic Energy Philippines, not only underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability but also highlights its role in contributing to the global effort to limit the rise in temperature to below 1.5°C.

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