THE North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Corporation is installing solar power panels on major and newly expanded toll plazas along the expressway.
As part of its bid to intensify the use of clean, renewable energy, NLEx is putting up grid-tied solar power system in Balintawak Barrier, Bocaue Barrier, Mexico Toll Plaza, Angeles Toll Plaza, San Fernando Southbound Toll Plaza, and Karuhatan Interchange Toll Plaza.
The Meycauayan Southbound Toll Plaza, which was the pilot area of the project in 2018, is now operational.
Solar power is usable energy produced by collecting sunlight and converting it into electricity through photovoltaic cells or solar cells.
"We have since incorporated sustainable energy in our business operations as we already have solar-powered devices such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, emergency call boxes and roadway lighting. This time, we’re implementing it in our toll plazas not only to generate energy savings, but more importantly, to lessen our carbon footprint," NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Luigi Bautista said.
Targeted for completion by the end of this year, the solar power project for toll plazas aims to improve energy efficiency, contribute to cleaner air, and reduce carbon emissions along the expressway.
"We are aware of the impact of infrastructure development on climate change. As an ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) certified company, the NLEX Corporation strives to encourage green practices and comply with environmental responsibilities," Bautista added.
The solar power project is estimated to produce more than 430 kilowatt-hours (KWH) of electricity annually which is equivalent to 108 tons of recycled waste and more than 5,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.