BATANGAS CITY — Batangas continues to cement its role as a critical energy hub in Luzon, even as the energy mix in the province evolves toward renewables. The latest development comes with Ayala-led Enex Energy Corp. (Enexor) discontinuing plans for a P60-billion, 1,100-megawatt combined-cycle gas power plant in Batangas City.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Enexor said its executive committee approved the termination of the Batangas Clean Energy (BCE) project and the mutual termination of its joint venture with GenX Energy LP, a Blackstone portfolio company. The decision was driven by challenges in securing a long-term off-take contract and attracting additional investors, coupled with the company’s parent, ACEN Corporation, shifting its strategic focus to renewable energy.
The BCE plant, which would have occupied 39 hectares in Barangays Libjo and Malitam, was designed to source natural gas from a nearby LNG terminal and supply up to 10 percent of Luzon’s electricity needs. The facility was also “hydrogen-ready,” capable of blending up to 50 percent green hydrogen once commercially available, signaling a move toward cleaner, future-proof energy solutions.
Batangas has long been a center for power generation, hosting conventional, renewable, and LNG-based facilities. The province’s strategic location, access to transmission lines, and proximity to Manila make it ideal for both conventional and renewable projects. The shift by ACEN reflects a broader trend in Batangas’ energy sector: a growing emphasis on sustainable and low-carbon power sources.
Despite the cancellation, Batangas remains a key player in the Philippines’ power landscape. Enexor’s remaining asset, the offshore Cinco oil and gas prospect in West Palawan, underscores the company’s continued engagement in the country’s energy sector while the province balances traditional and renewable energy investments.
As Batangas transitions, investors and developers are closely watching how the province continues to integrate clean energy without disrupting its role as a major electricity provider for Luzon.|
