Vietnamese renewable energy developer VinEnergo is expanding its regional footprint through a new partnership with Philippine firm SunAsia Energy Inc. The alliance aims to develop large-scale solar-on-water projects that combine renewable power generation with aquaculture operations in the Philippines.
The agreement will see the two companies develop three flagship solar projects in Pampanga and Negros Occidental between 2027 and 2028 using Solar on Stilts technology, where photovoltaic panels are mounted above water on pile-supported structures. The projects are planned for Macabebe in Pampanga and the cities of Sagay and Silay in Negros Occidental.
Combined, the developments will deliver 422 MWp of installed solar capacity, enough to supply electricity to around 278,000 households while reducing carbon emissions by more than 460,000 tons annually. The partners estimate the portfolio could generate more than USD 1.5 billion in lifetime revenues while supporting local employment and infrastructure investments.
Over the next 18 months, VinEnergo and SunAsia Energy will focus on engineering design and implementation activities, including the selection of contractors, engineers and technology suppliers. The buildout is expected to involve nearly 700,000 solar panels and approximately 62 km of new transmission lines across project sites in Pampanga and Negros Occidental.
Beyond renewable energy generation, the solar-on-water initiative is designed to coexist with fisheries and aquaculture activities. This supports an expanding food-energy-water strategy that maximizes land and water resources.
Executives from both companies described the collaboration as an opportunity to strengthen energy security while promoting sustainable economic development in host communities. VinEnergo chief executive Nguyen Anh Khoa said the project demonstrates the company’s ambitions in Southeast Asia while sharing Vietnam’s experience in balancing energy production with local livelihoods. SunAsia Energy chairperson and chief executive Tetchi Capellan added that the partnership creates a framework where clean energy and food production can develop side by side.
The announcement comes as the Philippines hosts the ASEAN Summit, highlighting growing regional cooperation on energy security and decarbonization efforts. For VinEnergo, the partnership also marks a significant step in its international expansion strategy and showcases the increasing role of Southeast Asian companies in advancing the clean energy transition.
Autocar’s Take
The VinEnergo and SunAsia Energy partnership shows how renewable energy projects are evolving beyond simply adding megawatts to the grid. As technology continues to evolve, engineers are now combining floating solar technology with aquaculture, the initiative addresses two pressing Philippine concerns at once: energy security and food production. The scale of the planned solar-on-water projects is also notable, particularly in a country where land availability can slow renewable energy development. If executed successfully, the model could encourage similar investments across coastal and agricultural communities, helping position the Philippines as a regional leader in integrated clean energy solutions.
