A Brown unit secures DoE authority for first solar project

A BROWN CO., Inc. (ABCI) has secured a certificate of authority (CoA) from the Department of Energy (DoE) for its first solar power project, allowing the company to begin pre-development activities for the proposed facility in Bukidnon.

In a disclosure on Monday, ABCI said its indirect wholly owned subsidiary Manolo Fortich Power Corp. (MFPC) received the CoA covering a proposed solar project spanning 202.38 hectares (ha) in the municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

The CoA authorizes MFPC to secure the necessary permits and clearances from national government agencies, local government units, and other concerned entities to undertake exploration and assessment activities within the project area over a one-year period.

These activities include reconnaissance and other work needed to complete feasibility studies for the proposed project.

Upon completion of the pre-development phase, the project may proceed to a solar energy operating contract, the company said.

MFPC is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ABCI through ABC Energy, Inc. (ABCEI).

“The Manolo Fortich Solar Power Project is part of ABCI’s broader renewable energy development strategy through ABCEI,” the company said.

According to ABCI’s website, ABCEI’s portfolio includes interests in operating peaking power assets in Mindanao, as well as wind and solar projects in various stages of development across Northern Mindanao and Luzon.

In March, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the incorporation of MFPC under ABCEI. The subsidiary was established to acquire, develop, construct, invest in, own, and operate power generation facilities, including solar power plants.

ABCI, a holding and property development company based in Cagayan de Oro City, also has interests in agribusiness, energy, and mining.

Shares of ABCI were unchanged at P0.65 each on Monday. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera