UK firm wins engineering, supply deal for Subic solar-farm project

Business Mirror
by Marvyn N. Benaning - Correspondent 
October 30, 2015

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—The solar-energy company Proinso has won the contract as the engineering, procurement and management (EPM) provider for a 100-megawatt (MW) solar-farm project in this free port. Based on information from mysubicbay.com, the project will be the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Proinso, which is based in the United Kingdom (UK), is one the world’s largest integrators of solar components and solutions. The Subic Bay contract will allow Proinso to increase its penetration in the highly competitive Asian photovoltaic (PV) market. Stuart Macfarlane, Proinso’s regional head for Asia Pacific, said: “The Subic Bay engagement is a complex project demanding a high level of capability support across many disciplines provided via our EPM program. Our EPM model is based on a collaborative approach working with local partners. This way, Proinso is able to deliver world-class renewable assets and also invest in the development of a strong local industry.”

Proinso will work in the project in partnership with Asiacrest Marketing Corp.

The project will also allow Proinso to increase its team in the Philippines to over 30 members. Lawrence Plata, Asiacrest Marketing Corp. president and CEO, added: “Proinso’s stellar reputation in the renewable-energy sector attracted Asiacrest to get on board as the exclusive distributor and country representative in the Philippine market. We are tapping experts from the UK, Spain and Australia to design and execute the project.

These experts will also engage in a knowledge-transfer program to develop the skills of our young and dynamic team of local engineers. We have more solar projects in the pipeline, which we hope will help to speed up economic and social development.”

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in Manila supported Proinso’s entry into the Philippine market. The British Embassy said events like the Great Campaign weekend and the Cities of the Future Exhibition have helped Proinso to clinch the Subic Bay contract.

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad also welcomed the contract won by Proinso.

“The UK is committed to action on climate change and Proinso is a great example of our business expertise in renewable energy and low-carbon initiatives. A project of this scale will utilize the abundance of solar energy in the Philippines and help the country develop a cleaner energy mix,” Amad noted. David Taylor, International Trade adviser, UKTI, added: “Proinso is a fantastic example of a company with a clear, ambitious strategy to target international markets. UKTI has been working hand in hand with Proinso to facilitate that strategy. The Subic Bay Project will be one of the biggest for a UK business in the Philippines this year.”

Formed in 2006, Proinso has become a leader in the PV industry, with extensive experience of systems integration in grid-tied, off-grid, storage and diesel hybrid solutions across residential, commercial, industrial and utility applications.

Its product line includes various inverters, modules, trackers, structures and accessories from leading manufacturers across the world. Proinso is the only UK-based solar energy company with international markets that account for 88 percent of its sales. It has offices in Spain, Germany, Greece, Italy, the US, the UK, Canada, China, Brazil, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Mexico and India. Proinso has supplied over 2 gigawatts of solar equipment in 18 countries across the world, Plata said. source