SCTEX solar-powered toll plaza

NLEX Corporation is elevating its sustainability initiatives by installing solar power in 36 more toll plazas of NLEX-SCTEX.

Currently, the company is equipping 21 NLEX toll plazas and 15 SCTEX toll plazas with monocrystalline solar panels, which will collect sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells or solar cells. Areas include Mindanao, Karuhatan, Paso de Blas, Marilao, Ciudad de Victoria/Philippine Arena, Bocaue, Tambubong, Balagtas, Tabang, Sta.Rita, Pulilan, San Simon, San Fernando, Dau, Sta. Ines, Mabiga, Dolores, Clark South, Clark North, Porac, Floridablanca, Dinalupihan, Tipo, SFEX, Concepcion, San Miguel, Hacienda Luisita, and Tarlac.

“Part of our strategic priorities is to continue incorporating renewable energy in our operations. This way, we can drive operational efficiency while being environmentally responsible and creating positive impact for our stakeholders,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista.

Expected to be completed within this year, the solar power project aims to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to cleaner air along the expressway as well as improve energy efficiency. It is estimated to produce 22,762 kWh of electricity per month at NLEX and 13,961 kWh of electricity per month at SCTEX.

The project is an addition to existing expressway areas that are now solar-powered such as Balintawak Barrier, Bocaue Barrier, Mexico Toll Plaza, Angeles Toll Plaza, San Fernando Southbound Toll Plaza, and Karuhatan Interchange Toll Plaza, and Meycauayan Southbound Toll Plaza.

NLEX has been encouraging green practices and complying with environmental responsibilities as an ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) certified company. The company has since incorporated sustainable energy through solar-powered closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and roadway lighting. It has also set up motion-sensor lights in its offices in Caloocan City, Valenzuela City, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

These environmental efforts are also in keeping with the entire Metro Pacific Group’s commitment to help the Philippines meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly UNSDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and UNSDG 13 (Climate Action). NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).