Vena Energy Accelerates Green Energy Transition in the Philippineswith Dual Groundbreakings for 380 MWp Solar Projects in Ilocos Norte

ILOCOS NORTE, PHILIPPINES — In a major leap forward for the Philippines’ renewable energy ambitions, Vena Energy has officially commenced construction on two landmark solar projects in Ilocos Norte. The back-to-back groundbreaking ceremonies, held on May 5 and 6, 2026, signal a significant expansion of the region’s clean energy capacity.

​Together, the Astra Solar and Opus Solar projects represent approximately 380 MWp of new capacity. Once operational, these facilities will bring Vena Energy’s total solar footprint in the province to roughly 480 MWp, reinforcing Ilocos Norte’s position as a renewable energy hub.

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Astra Solar: Harnessing Green Financing in Currimao

​On May 5, Astra Solar Energy Corp. broke ground on its 80.6 MWp facility in Currimao. The project is backed by a ₱2.7-billion green project finance facility from Security Bank, demonstrating strong domestic confidence in sustainable infrastructure.

​Upon completion, Astra Solar is expected to:

• ​Generate approximately 142 GWh of clean energy annually.
• ​Power roughly 120,500 Filipino households.
• ​Offset an estimated 95,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year—an impact equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees.

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Opus Solar: A Historic Milestone in Paoay

​The momentum continued on May 6 in Paoay with the groundbreaking of the 300 MWp Opus Solar Project. Spanning 190 hectares across Barangays Bacsil and Mumulaan, the project marks a financial first for the Philippine energy sector.

​Opus Solar is the country’s first fully non-recourse renewable energy project financed exclusively by international banks, supported by a US$210-million green loan from seven global financial institutions. The scale of the project is immense, with the capacity to supply clean energy to 445,000 households and avoid 349,000 tonnes of emissions annually.

​Collaborative Leadership and Regional Growth

​The ceremonies were attended by high-ranking provincial and local leaders, including Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, and the Mayors of Currimao and Paoay. They were joined by Vena Energy executives, including Group COO Juan Mas Valor and Philippines Head Samrinder Nehria.

​Beyond power generation, Vena Energy emphasized the long-term socio-economic benefits for Ilocos Norte:

• ​Job Creation: Hundreds of local jobs will be generated during the construction and operational phases.
• ​Economic Impact: Increased local tax revenues and financial contributions through the ER 1-94 program.
• ​Community Support: Continued investment in education, health, and infrastructure through dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

​"Our investments create local jobs and support community aspirations while driving the Philippines’ energy transition," stated Juan Mas Valor, Vena Group COO.





​Aligning with National Goals

​These projects are pivotal to the Philippines' target of increasing the renewable energy share in its power mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

​Samrinder Nehria, Head of Vena Energy Philippines, noted that Astra and Opus Solar serve as blueprints for how "strong cross-border and local collaboration can accelerate the transition to clean energy while upholding high environmental and social governance standards."