An Australian-backed battery manufacturer is exploring renewable energy and storage projects in New Clark City, which the government is positioning as an emerging hub for advanced technology and clean energy.
In a statement on Monday, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it signed a memorandum of understanding with StB GigaFactory Inc. to study renewable energy generation, battery energy storage systems and electric mobility solutions in New Clark City.
Under the 12-month agreement, StB GigaFactory will conduct site surveys, technical feasibility studies and financial modeling to assess whether clean energy technologies could be deployed across BCDA developments.
The BCDA, for its part, will provide access to potential sites, supply project data and extend administrative assistance for the studies.
‘Partnering with StB GigaFactory aligns directly with our vision to make New Clark City a model of sustainable, high-tech urban development,’ BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said in a statement.
‘By integrating cutting-edge energy storage and clean mobility solutions into our master plan, we are building a resilient infrastructure framework that empowers industries, protects the environment, and drives long-term economic growth,’ Bingcang added.
Expansion
Beyond New Clark City, the BCDA said the partnership would also explore how renewable energy, locally manufactured storage systems and electric mobility infrastructure could be integrated and scaled across its other developments.
The BCDA also manages Camp John Hay in Baguio, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union and Morong Discovery Park in Bataan.
While the agreement with StB GigaFactory does not yet cover specific projects or investment commitments, the partnership could expand the company’s footprint in New Clark City, where it already operates a manufacturing facility at the Filinvest Innovation Park.
The company currently employs 500 Filipinos and plans to expand its workforce to 2,500 by 2030.
Its New Clark City facility is the Philippines’ first manufacturing plant for lithium iron phosphate battery cells and battery energy storage systems, according to the BCDA.
In 2023, Australian investment firm St Baker Energy Innovation Fund committed an initial $10 million to jump-start the battery manufacturing facility within the 120-hectare Filinvest Innovation Park-New Clark City in Tarlac.
The facility is targeted to reach a full production capacity of 1.2 gigawatt-hours by 2030.