INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc's (ICTSI) business unit at the Port of Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines, Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) has recently started operating exclusively on solar power during daylight hours.

MCT started sourcing solar power on February 14 under a retail supply contract with PrimeRES Energy Corporation within the Philippine energy department's Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework.

MCT will use solar power generated by PrimeRES'es solar power supply during daylight hours.

"At night, the terminal will draw power from PrimeRES'es supply portfolio including the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), ensuring 24/7 energy supply. This hybrid solution maximizes the use of renewable energy while maintaining operational stability," MCT said in a statement.

"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," says 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."

Switching to PrimeRES is expected to provide MCT with competitive electricity rates and potential cost savings.