Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT), International Container Terminal Services Inc.'s (ICTSI) business unit at the Port of Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines, recently started operating exclusively on solar power during daylight hours.
MCT started sourcing solar power on February 14 under a retail supply contract with PrimeRES Energy Corporation within the Philippine energy department's Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework.
ICTSI said MCT will use solar power generated by PrimeRES'es solar power supply during daylight hours. At night, the terminal will draw power from PrimeRES'es supply portfolio including the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), ensuring 24/7 energy supply.
It noted that this hybrid solution maximizes the use of renewable energy while maintaining operational stability.
"The Mindanao Container Terminal is a key gateway for the region, and reducing carbon emissions from our operations aligns with ICTSI's broader environmental objectives," says Aurelio C. Garcia, MCT president and general manager.
"This shift to solar power reflects our commitment to sustainability and demonstrates the steps we are taking to lower emissions."
PrimeRES Energy Corporation is a retail electricity supplier that invests in and collaborates with private distribution utilities and electric cooperatives.
ICTSI said switching to PrimeRES is expected to provide MCT with competitive electricity rates and potential cost savings.
The global port operator recently secured a 25-year extension to operate and manage MCT, and as part of its long-term plan to enhance capacity and efficiency, MCT will invest more than US$100 million in infrastructure upgrades.
The investment includes a 300-meter berth extension and the acquisition of new equipment to support projected cargo volume growth. Once completed, these upgrades are expected to increase the terminal's annual capacity beyond its current 350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
The berth extension will also accommodate larger vessels and support new service routes.
