Mindanao Container Terminal transitions to solar power

Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT), operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) at the Port of Cagayan de Oro, has started operating exclusively on solar power during daylight hours.

Since 14 February, MCT has been using solar energy supplied by PrimeRES Energy Corporation under a retail supply contract within the Philippine energy department’s Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework.

During daylight hours, the terminal is powered by solar energy, while at night, it draws electricity from PrimeRES’ broader supply portfolio, including the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

This hybrid reportedly system ensures a consistent power supply while maximising the use of renewable energy.

“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,” said 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, a licensed retail electricity supplier, partners with private distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to provide power to contestable customers.

The company sources electricity from Prime Infra’s renewable energy portfolio and third-party suppliers.

“This partnership with MCT exemplifies our commitment to delivering affordable and reliable power solutions tailored to meet diverse needs,” said Daniel O. Arago, PrimeRES Energy Corporation’s COO.

“We appreciate MCT’s trust and shared vision of providing consumers with environmentally friendly energy solutions at competitive costs.”

In addition to environmental benefits, the switch to PrimeRES is expected to provide MCT with competitive electricity rates and potential cost savings.

ICTSI, through its subsidiary Mindanao International Container Terminal Services Inc. (MICTSI), recently secured a 25-year extension to operate and manage MCT.

As part of a long-term investment strategy, more than $100 million will be allocated to infrastructure upgrades. These include a 300-metre berth extension and the acquisition of new equipment to accommodate increasing cargo volumes.

Once completed, the upgrades will expand MCT’s annual capacity beyond its current 350,000 TEUs and enable the terminal to handle larger vessels.

In the first nine months of 2024, ICTSI released unaudited consolidated financial results amounting to revenue from port operations of $2.01 billion.