The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) successfully energized the newest cold storage facility of Atkins Import and Export Resources, Inc. as part of its efforts to support the national government’s thrust to achieve food security in the Philippines. This facility is notably Atkins’ largest in South Luzon and the first to utilize clean energy utilizing a solar panel system.
In partnership with Meralco Enterprise, Atkins expects the collaboration to generate 1,362,100 kWh of clean energy every year, resulting in around PhP 9.5 million in annual savings for the company. It will also help reduce Atkins’ carbon footprint by 970 tonnes, equivalent to over 44,500 trees planted or saving nearly 3.9 million kilometers of car travel per year.
Now Atkins’ sixth in Luzon, this recently inaugurated facility in Naic, Cavite, can store up to 14,000,000 kilograms or 14,000 metric tons of agricultural products. As an importer and distributor of quality meat products sourced all over the world, Atkins utilizes a 976.8 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar panel system to energize the new cold storage facility.
As part of its long-term commitment to deliver stable and reliable electricity to its customers, Meralco actively ensured and continues to ensure timely service to Atkins’ cold storage facility. The company previously helped secure right-of-way permits and provided technical assistance that allowed Atkins to meet the energization schedule, which averted unnecessary costs and lost business opportunities.
“As this partnership with Atkins is vital in ensuring food supply in the country, it also reaffirms Meralco’s commitment to actively supporting agri-ventures that pave the way toward nation-building. We hope that energizing this breakthrough facility will trigger meaningful conversations about food security,” said Engr. Cecille M. Domingo, Vice President and Head, Meralco Enterprise and National Government, Meralco.
“For us at Atkins, building more cold storage facilities is our solution to food security, which many recognize as a long-standing issue due to the scarcity of such facilities that can house agricultural products. And through our partnership with Meralco Enterprise, we can do more with our energy savings and sustainable operations—a huge help when realizing our goals,” said Gabriel Ang, President of Atkins Import and Export Resources, Inc.
With this project, Atkins joins the companies that engaged Meralco to advance their sustainability goals through renewable energy utilization. Mindful of the long-term impact, Meralco continues to bolster its promise of supporting these businesses with industry-leading best practices.
“We ensure all our partners receive top-tier quality and reliable service to achieve sustainable operations. For Atkins, we will provide the necessary support to ensure that its solar generating system works seamlessly and reliably,” Domingo added.
Meralco Enterprise, Meralco’s service arm for customers from the public and private sectors with a contracted capacity of at least 500kW, offers tailor-fit solutions for industrial, commercial, and residential customers through an in-depth understanding of energy consumption behaviors and strategic partnerships with world-class technology partners. As the country’s largest electric distribution utility, Meralco supports local industries crucial to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.
For those interested in partnering with Meralco Enterprise, please get in touch with a Meralco Enterprise Relationship Manager, email enterprise@meralco.com.ph, or call the hotline at 16210.
