NLEX Corp. puts up more solar-power toll plazas

NLEX Corporation is boosting its efforts toward sustainability as it is currently installing solar panels to power more toll plazas within the stretch of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

In a statement, the toll operator said that it is now equipping 36 of its toll plazas (21 along NLEX and 15 in SCTEX) with monocrystalline solar panels, which will collect sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells or solar cells. The areas covered in the project are Mindanao Avenue, Karuhatan, Paso de Blas, Marilao, Ciudad de Victoria/Philippine Arena, Bocaue, Tambubong, Balagtas, Tabang, Sta.Rita, Pulilan, San Simon, San Fernando, Dau, Sta. Ines, Mabiga, Dolores, Clark South, Clark North, Porac, Floridablanca, Dinalupihan, Tipo, Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX), Concepcion, San Miguel, Hacienda Luisita, and Tarlac.

“Part of our strategic priorities is to continue incorporating renewable energy in our operations. This way, we can drive operational efficiency while being environmentally responsible and creating positive impact for our stakeholders,” NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Luigi Bautista was quoted.

Eyed to be finished within the year, the installation of the solar panels is expected to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to cleaner air along the expressway as well as improve energy efficiency. The initiative is estimated to produce 22,762 kilowatt hour (kwh) of electricity per month at NLEX and 13,961 kwh of electricity per month at SCTEX.

The latest project will add to the to existing expressway areas that are now solar-powered namely the barriers in Balintawak and, Bocaue; as well as the toll plazas in Mexico, Angeles, San Fernando southbound, Karuhatan Interchange, and Meycauayan southbound.

Per NLEX Corporation, the company “has been encouraging green practices and complying with environmental responsibilities as an ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) certified company.” The company has since incorporated sustainable energy through solar-powered closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and roadway lighting. It has also set up motion-sensor lights in its offices in Caloocan City, Valenzuela City, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

The aforementioned environmental efforts, the tollway firm added, are also in line with the entire Metro Pacific Group’s commitment to help the Philippines meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly UNSDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).

Earlier, NLEX Corporation announced that a system upgrade worth P282 million for the electronic toll collection and traffic management systems is underway.

Photos from NLEX Corporation, Ruben Manahan IV

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