SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp., the leading steel manufacturer in the Philippines, has commissioned its inaugural solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system in partnership with TotalEnergies ENEOS at its Meycauayan steel plant in Bulacan. The 1.9 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power system is seen as a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to decarbonize its steel production operations.
Founded 60 years ago in the Philippines, SteelAsia now produces nearly 3 million metric tons of steel annually, including reinforcing steel bar (rebar) products, operating four steel mills across the country.
The system generates 2,700 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually using over 3,200 solar modules installed, as per the company’s official statement.
This initiative is considered a key component of SteelAsia’s broader decarbonization strategy, as it involves the incorporation of renewable energy sources throughout its operations. In addition, the company’s Calaca green steel manufacturing plant and Compostela rolling mill in Cebu are already powered by geothermal energy.
The initiative is part of a broader decarbonization strategy by SteelAsia, which has been integrating renewable energy sources across its operations. Two of its other plants—the Calaca green steel manufacturing plant and the Compostela, Cebu, rolling mill—are already powered by geothermal energy.
“Sustainability is at the core of our vision for the future of steel manufacturing,” Andre Sy, president of SteelAsia, said in a statement.
“This solar project with TotalEnergies ENEOS is a crucial step in reducing our environmental impact while ensuring energy sufficiency across our operations,” he added.
SteelAsia and TotalEnergies ENEOS have entered into a 10-year agreement for rooftop solar installation. TotalEnergies ENEOS will fund, install, and operate the system, while SteelAsia will purchase the carbon-free electricity throughout the decade-long contract without incurring any additional upfront costs..
The company has been an exporter of its outputs to Canada, This includes SteelAsia’s largest steel export, a 32,000-metric-ton shipment bound for Vancouver earlier this year. The shipment is intended for use in a subway construction project in Canada, with a value of $19 million.