SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation is set to develop the country’s largest rooftop solar installation for heavy industry at its Compostela facility in Cebu. The project will have a capacity of 8 megawatt-peak (MWp), marking a significant step in integrating renewable energy into industrial operations.
The initiative is being undertaken in partnership with Buskowitz Energy and is targeted for completion by November. The installation will cover about 65,560 square meters and will include 12,888 solar panels and 54 inverters.
Once operational, the system is expected to generate around 12,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy annually. This will supply roughly 25 percent of the plant’s electricity needs, helping reduce dependence on conventional power sources while improving efficiency.
Measurable Environmental Gains
SteelAsia estimates the project will cut carbon emissions by about 8,400 metric tons each year. Over five years, this is equivalent to recycling 73,500 tons of waste or offsetting 832 million kilometers driven by passenger vehicles.
According to Andre Sy, Executive Vice Chairman of SteelAsia, the company has long used renewable energy from hydroelectric and geothermal sources. The addition of solar energy reflects a practical and scalable approach to further reducing its environmental footprint.
The Compostela facility is the second SteelAsia plant to adopt solar power. The company plans to expand similar installations across its other mills as part of its long-term sustainability efforts.
Supporting Long-Term Efficiency
Buskowitz Energy will oversee the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction, as well as its operations and maintenance. This ensures that the system will deliver reliable performance over time.
James Buskowitz said the partnership highlights a shared commitment to sustainability and efficiency. He noted that working with SteelAsia supports the broader goal of integrating renewable energy into key industries.
The project underscores how large-scale manufacturing can adopt cleaner energy solutions while maintaining productivity, signaling a growing shift toward more sustainable industrial practices in the Philippines.
