PMCJ calls on DOE, SunAsia to reconsider solar floaters project in Laguna, as impacts will be worse than the benefits it will provide

Media Communications
Aug 7
3 min read

Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) highlights the importance of considering the impacts of renewable energy (RE) projects on the communities’ lives and livelihoods. This, in view of the Department of Energy (DOE)’s endorsement of SunAsia Energy Inc.’s floating solar project, which will cover more than 13 square kilometers of Laguna de Bay.

“While the move to push for the implementation of RE projects aligns with our global calls, its impacts should be considered, especially when it collides with food security and the environment. We are fighting for just transition to renewable energy because it is by and for the people and for the planet. We can't treat marginalized sectors, fisherfolk in this matter, and the environment as mere collateral,” PMCJ Senior Renewable Energy Officer Edwin Tesaluna said.

The array floaters for SunAsia's more than 1,317 MW solar project will be produced by a local plastic manufacturer, Tayson Industrial Corp., as tapped by a Chinese firm, Sungrow. SunAsia and Sungrow signed a supply agreement on July 22, 2025.

"The installation would deprive inland fisherfolk of an estimated 535 thousand kilos of fish catch from the area, resulting in lost income amounting to more than 82 million pesos annually, according to our recent data. Floating solar panels will worsen the state of Laguna Lake as there would be environmental impacts, including altered sunlight penetration, potential effects on water temperature and dissolved oxygen, risks to aquatic ecosystems, and concerns for local fisherfolk's livelihoods due to reduced fishing grounds or restricted boat passage. Laguna de Bay, with its current condition now, should be the last area for these types of projects,” Tesaluna stressed.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin was present during the supply agreement. According to reports, she described the ordeal as a "milestone in the country's decarbonisation journey". On July 10, 2025, Garin signed a reissued “committed capacity” status for 1,200 MW Atimonan One Energy Inc. (AOE) and Meralco PowerGen (MGen)'s coal-fired power plant project.

“It is clear that the DOE has no intention of phasing out coal and any fossil fuels. Using Garin’s word, the Philippines can’t ‘decarbonise’ if the government supports RE projects while simultaneously approving and endorsing fossil fuel projects. It is also beyond disappointing that the floating solar project seemed not to have consulted the Laguna fisherfolk and violated the science of impacts. Lakes and bodies of water, whose functions are important for the hydrologic cycle, are no-go zones for floating solar. This is what happens when the government continues to prioritize business and profits over climate, people, and planet,” PMCJ National Coordinator Ian Rivera lamented.

PMCJ and other progressive groups have been stressing that to achieve just transition to RE, fossil fuels must be phased out. It should be done in parallel to attain the triple capacity of RE by 2030. It can’t be optional. The process is also not top-down, but instead takes into account and effectively involves the basic sectors that will be the essential part of the plight.

“We demand that the DOE and the BBM government implement the renewable energy regulations scientifically and ecologically. There should be no shortcuts or compromises on the interests of the planet and people. While we are running out of time in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and putting up renewables, it must not be in a way that destroys the natural carbon sinks and sources of subsistence of the people,” Rivera ended. ###

#ProtectOurFisherfolk #SaveLagunaDeBay #JustTransition #ClimateJusticeNow