Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, has announced the successful commissioning of the Citicore Solar (CS) Batangas 1 Project in Lumbangan, Tuy—the first phase of Citicore’s landmark 1.5 GWh BESS initiative and the Philippines’ first solar power plant equipped with large-scale battery storage to deliver true baseload renewable energy. Powered by Sungrow’s PowerTitan 2.0 solution, the 197 MWp solar facility with 125 MW/320 MWh BESS achieved a record-fast VSG off-grid commissioning in just two days, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and reliability in hybrid renewable projects.
The commercial operation ceremony, attended by President of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Energy Philippines and Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC), marked a historic moment for the nation’s renewable sector. During the event, the President toured Sungrow’s advanced energy storage system and highlighted its role in supporting the Philippines’ energy security and sustainability. The Department of Energy Philippines commented that the Citicore Solar Batangas 1 facility uses advanced battery tech to solve a major problem with renewable energy: inconsistent power supply.
At a critical pre-grid connection stage, Sungrow’s commissioning team achieved major technical breakthroughs:
Successful VSG off-grid commissioning in just 2 days—ensuring stable PV-to-BESS charging even before the main grid was energized. The all-in-one AC-DC block design of PowerTitan 2.0, with pre-assembled battery modules and PCS, ensures seamless integration, significantly reducing installation time. With a professional project management and engineering team, this efficiency far outpaced industry norms, cutting project timelines and costs while ensuring early energy recovery and long-term reliability. The milestone highlights Sungrow’s technical strength and commitment to driving customer success.
First solar-plus-storage VRE compliance test in the Philippines— Working closely with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Sungrow contributed to the development of new testing standards for solar-plus-storage hybrid renewable projects. Leveraging its extensive experience in Southeast Asia and Australia, Sungrow supported NGCP in bridging the regulatory gap, providing a benchmark for future projects in the country.
Together, these advances ensure the Citicore Lumbangan project with Sungrow’s fully integrated solution can store surplus solar energy during peak hours and dispatch it during evening demand, delivering reliable and eco-friendly baseload power while reducing fossil fuel dependence.
As the Philippines advances toward its target of achieving 35% renewable energy by 2030, the project offers a strong model for scaling clean energy nationwide. Sungrow’s cutting-edge technology, proven project execution, and collaborative approach with both regulators and customers highlight its role as a trusted partner in accelerating the Philippines’ energy transition and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.
