By Philippine Daily Inquirer 

More power generation capacity is expected to be added to the Luzon grid as construction of a 115-megawatt solar power plant in Baras, Rizal province, has started and commercial operation is slated for next year, according to Global Business Power Corp. (GBP), which is part of the Meralco group of companies. 

GBP said in a statement its subsidiary PH Renewables Inc. broke ground for the project, which is their first foray into the renewable energy market as well as the Luzon market. 

The solar farm will rise within a 135-hectare area inside the Philippine Communications Satellite Corp.’s grounds in Rizal. GBP’s portfolio has a total gross capacity of 1,091 MW, so far. 

“In response to the government’s push for renewable energy, we have persevered to finally commence construction of this timely project to fuel the nation’s progress,” GBP president Jaime Azurin said in a statement. 

—Ronnel W. Domingo inq