Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions provider across the Asia-Pacific region, has commenced construction of two major solar projects in Ilocos Norte, marking another significant step in supporting the Philippines’ clean energy transition.
Groundbreaking and time capsule ceremonies for the Astra Solar and Opus Solar projects were held on 5 May 2026 in Currimao and 6 May 2026 in Paoay, respectively. Together, the projects represent approximately 380 MWp of new capacity and will increase Vena Energy’s total solar footprint in Ilocos Norte to around 480 MWp once operational.
The events were attended by Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, Currimao Mayor Edward Quilala, and Paoay Mayor Shiella Galano, alongside Vena Group Chief Operating Officer Juan Mas Valor, Vena Energy Head of Philippines Samrinder Nehria, and Head of Project Development Mia Jarumayan.
Astra Solar
On 5 May, Astra Solar Energy Corp. broke ground on its 80.6 MWp Astra Solar Power Project in Currimao. The project is supported by a ₱2.7-billion green project finance facility from Security Bank. It is expected to generate approximately 142 GWh of clean energy annually, which is enough to power around 120,500 Filipino households. It will also avoid an estimated 95,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. This impact is equivalent to planting approximately 1.5 million trees.
Opus Solar
Following the Astra Solar event, Opus Solar Energy Corp. held its groundbreaking ceremony on 6 May for the 300 MWp Opus Solar Project in Paoay. Spanning 190 hectares across Barangays Bacsil and Mumulaan, the project marks a milestone in the Philippine energy sector. It is the first fully non-recourse renewable energy project in the country to be financed solely by international banks, supported by a US$210-million green loan from seven global financial institutions.
Once operational, Opus Solar will supply clean energy equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 445,000 households. It is also expected to avoid around 349,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
“We are proud to see how our investments continue to create local jobs, support community aspirations, and drive the Philippines’ energy transition forward,” said Juan Mas Valor, Chief Operating Officer of Vena Group.
A Legacy of Community Progress
These new projects build upon the success of Vena Energy’s existing facilities in Ilocos Norte, including the Mirae Asia Energy Corporation (20MW) and Nuevo Solar Energy Corp. (83.3MW) solar projects.
The company’s presence in the region has consistently delivered long-term community benefits, including:
The generation of hundreds of local jobs during both construction and operational phases.
Financial contributions through ER1-94, as well as increased local tax revenues for host communities.
Continued support for education, health, infrastructure and the environmental initiatives through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.
“Opus Solar and Astra Solar demonstrate how strong cross-border and local collaboration can accelerate the transition to clean energy while upholding high standards of environmental and social governance,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of Philippines, Vena Energy.
Both projects contribute to the Philippines’ national targets of increasing the renewable energy share to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
About Astra Solar Energy Corp. and Opus Solar Energy Corp.
Astra Solar Energy Corp. and Opus Solar Energy Corp. are project companies under Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region.
