Solar, wind, and hydro projects to power Aurora’s business future

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has pledged full support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for accessible, reliable, and affordable power, aligning itself with national efforts to boost renewable energy (RE) and attract sustainable investments.

APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said the economic zone is committed to clean energy following the President’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), where the Chief Executive pointed to the country’s lingering energy issues.

“His recognition of the urgent need to expand access to electricity, reduce energy costs, and secure reliable power supply, especially in underserved areas, is a call to action we fully embrace at APECO,” said Taway.

Citing that over three million Filipino households remain without electricity and many of them in areas like Aurora, Taway stressed that energy insecurity continues to hamper economic growth and investor confidence.

“This is not uncommon to the province of Aurora, where many families, particularly in remote areas, do not have electricity. Such conditions have dampened investor interest in locating and opening businesses in the province, despite the presence of an economic zone,” he said.

APECO is currently advancing renewable energy projects in its Casiguran site, an area rich in solar, wind, and hydro potential. These efforts are in line with the national targets of achieving a 35% RE share by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

Among the major developments is the entry of Pacific Impact, which is poised to invest in a 16.8-megawatt solar power project. The initiative is expected to enhance energy access and infrastructure in the zone, while supporting its vision of becoming both the “fishing capital of the Pacific” and the country’s first national defense hub.

“This project not only strengthens APECO’s energy infrastructure but also demonstrates our viability as an investment destination,” Taway said.

He said that clean energy is not just an environmental imperative but a strategic economic tool: “We believe that RE is not just a solution but a catalyst for inclusive growth. Power precedes progress.”

APECO, he said, is ready to play a key role in helping modernize the country’s energy sector, meeting the needs of the people while attracting global investors.