Ateneo de Manila University begins shift to renewable energy in partnership with SolX Technologies Inc., Shell Energy Philippines

On 24 May 2024, Ateneo de Manila University signed a supply agreement contract with SolX Technologies Inc. and Shell Energy Philippines to begin the university’s transition to 100% renewable energy. 

SolX Technologies Inc., a startup founded by Ateneo alumni and incubated through Ateneo Blue Nest, will be providing digital energy solutions for Ateneo’s transition. Shell Energy Philippines, meanwhile, will provide the renewable energy supply. The shift to renewable energy will first cover Ateneo’s Loyola Heights campus in Quezon City, six years ahead of the university’s target.

The transition officially began on Sunday, 26 May 2024. Prior to switching, the University was already self-producing close to 10% of its power requirement through solar panels installed on 13 buildings on campus as early as 2020 as part of its Solar Power Project. 

Phase 2 of this Project is targeted for completion in 2024, and will bring more solar panel installations on-line throughout the campus to increase its self-produced renewable energy to as much as 20% of its power requirement.

According to Fr Yap, the contract allows the University to tell Meralco that the power supply should not come from coal or LNG (liquefied natural gas), but rather from renewable sources. 

Founded by three Ateneo alumni, CEO Sergius Santos (BS Electronics and Communications Engineering ’17), COO Matt Tan (BS Management ’17), and Senior VP Bradley Cua (BS Legal Management ’19), SolX Technologies simplifies complexity in energy procurement, energy management processes, and energy efficiency and conservation reporting. The company is dedicated to driving progress and delivering energy cost-saving strategies by providing digital solutions and expertise that will positively impact Philippine industries.

A DOST-supported Technology Business Incubator (TBI), the Ateneo Blue Nest is an incubation program of the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) designed to “provide support to students, faculty, and innovators both within and outside the Ateneo community in commercializing sustainable and innovative ideas for the benefit of society.” It was launched in July last year. 

Shell Energy Philippines, represented by their chief commercial officer Sarah Rose Lim (BS Management Engineering ’06), said that the electricity that will be supplied to the campus will be sourced from solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energies. 

Also present at the signing were Ateneo Vice President for Administration, Rodolfo P Ang and Carlo Icasiano, Senior Commercial Manager of Shell Energy Philippines. 

For more information on Ateneo’s sustainable energy initiatives, please visit the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability.