Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corporation (MIESCOR), a subsidiary of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), in collaboration with South Korea’s SeoChang Electric Communication Co. Ltd. (SeoChang), has launched an innovative and sustainable on-grid hybrid power solution for a Gawad Kalinga community in Cavite province.
The recently inaugurated project, which marks a significant milestone in sustainable energy development, features a 50-kilowatt peak solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a 300-kilowatt-hour energy storage system (ESS), and three electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Situated in Barangay Hugo Perez, Trece Martires City, the project is set to power vital community infrastructure such as streetlights, multi-purpose halls, and development centers. Furthermore, it will serve as a crucial energy hub for electric cars, electric jeepneys, and electric tricycles. Embracing sustainability, the project will leverage on used EV batteries to optimize energy distribution, including ensuring clean and reliable electricity for the community.
SeoChang specializes in innovative products such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and ESS construction, while MIESCOR spearheaded the engineering, procurement, and construction services for this landmark and groundbreaking facility.
Other South Korean entities, including PMGROW Corp., Korea Testing Laboratory, and Korea Energy Convergence Association, also contributed to the successful implementation of the project.
SeoChang President and Chief Executive Officer Yoon Sung-Hee expressed enthusiasm for the project’s impact to the community, emphasizing its role in pioneering sustainable energy solutions in the Philippines. “We are thrilled to introduce our sustainable ESS solution to this community. Today marks not only the completion of a project but also a new beginning for the ESS industry in the Philippines,” Yoon stated during the inauguration ceremony.
MIESCOR President and Chief Executive Officer Richard O. Ochava on the other hand highlighted the project’s unique approach to sustainable power service. “Our one-of-a-kind facility creatively promotes the sustainable use of power to bring light to our communities.”
The collaboration between MIESCOR and SeoChang also underscores Meralco’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, driven by its sustainability agenda called “Powering the Good Life”.
Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo highlighted: “The project distinctively showcases the convergence of innovation and sustainability—with solar panels, energy storage systems, and EV charging stations integrated into one facility. Through this project, we are not only contributing to the preservation of the planet but also enabling better lives for underserved communities.”
Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz, meanwhile, stated the company’s continuous efforts to harness new technologies for sustainable development. “The fruition of this project signifies our commitment to partnering with like-minded organizations in creating sustainable energy solutions for the communities we serve,” Geluz said.
Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, for his part, emphasized the project’s integral role in the company’s mission to drive transformative change.
“Projects like this are a testament to Meralco’s dedication to building a sustainable energy network and empowering communities within and beyond our service area,” Aperocho concluded.