ACEN, the energy platform of the Ayala Group and a leader in renewable energy across the Asia Pacific, was named a winner at the Department of Energy (DOE) Sustainable Energy Awards 2024. This prestigious recognition highlights ACEN’s significant contributions to advancing clean energy solutions, particularly through its 81 MW North Luzon Renewables wind project in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The DOE’s awards program aims to honor exceptional efforts in promoting renewable energy innovation, best practices, and impactful achievements.

ACEN’s project was recognized under the category of Renewable Energy Projects in On-Grid Areas for its outstanding role in fostering a secure, reliable, clean, and resilient energy sector. The project generates approximately 205,000 MWh of clean energy annually, powering around 50,000 homes and avoiding 144,000 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. Beyond compliance, North Luzon Renewables wind project has demonstrated how renewable energy can create positive environmental and social impacts for host communities.

The award was presented by DOE officials, led by Undersecretaries Rowena Cristina Guevara and Sharon Garin, during a ceremony held on December 12, 2024, at Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City. Receiving the award on behalf of ACEN were Eric Francia, president and CEO of ACEN, Irene Maranan, senior vice president for sustainability and communications, and its project partner from Mitsubishi Corporation, represented by Hiroki Kinebuchi, vice president at Diamond Generating Asia.

Eric Francia shared his thoughts on the recognition: “This recognition is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of NLR’s operations. The success of NLR reflects ACEN’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and our vision of a renewable energy-powered future. This recognition from the DOE affirms the impact of our initiatives in addressing both environmental challenges and the socio-economic needs of our host communities.”

A benchmark for sustainability and community empowerment

ACEN’s North Luzon Renewables (NLR) wind project has emerged as a model for sustainable development, with its groundbreaking Conservation Estate spanning 700 hectares. This initiative combines reforestation, agroforestry, biodiversity protection, and circularity programs, transforming once-degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems. To date, the Conservation Estate has sequestered 94 kilotons of carbon, equivalent to 345,000 tons of carbon dioxide, as certified under ISO-14064-2-2019 by Carbon Check. This achievement not only supports climate mitigation but also has an impact equivalent to removing the greenhouse gas emissions of 82,000 cars annually, improving air quality and contributing to climate resilience.

Since 2014, the NLR project has also generated over 5,600 jobs and sustainable livelihoods for local communities. It has empowered community members by training them as seedling producers, forest rangers, and farmers, enabling a shift away from destructive practices like slash-and-burn agriculture. These initiatives continue to foster long-term environmental restoration and socio-economic progress for the region.

DOE Sustainable Energy Awards: A platform for RE excellence

The DOE Sustainable Energy Awards program, now in its inaugural year, celebrates the dedication and excellence of stakeholders in the RE sector. With categories spanning RE Projects in On-Grid Areas, Private Institutions, and Local Government Units, the awards aim to inspire continued innovation and collaboration in the energy transition. For this year, the DOE reviewed 246 entries, selecting one winner for each category.

Undersecretary Rowena Guevara remarked: “We recognize that the Philippines has made significant progress in its energy transition with RE at the heart of the efforts. Our goal is to sustain and build on this momentum. The DOE has implemented sustainable energy development strategies and institutionalized national and local capabilities. We are heartened by the strong support we have received from both the private and public sectors. Given this progress, we believe it is the right time to formally recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our stakeholders and partners.”