Black & Veatch and Carmen Copper Corp. received the Innovation Award, Energy Transition and Emerging Solutions at the 2026 Enlit Asia Awards for the Carmen Copper Floating Solar Project, a groundbreaking renewable energy development in The Philippines. The project was also short-listed for Power Plant Project of the Year.
The award recognizes the project’s innovative approach to solving complex engineering, environmental and operational challenges. Located on the Malubog Reservoir in Cebu, the 4.996-MW floating solar facility is the Philippines’ first megawatt-scale floating PV installation and supports operations at one of the nation’s major copper mining sites.
Developing the project required a highly coordinated and innovative engineering strategy. Solar arrays were assembled on floating platforms made from recycled plastic components before being transported across the reservoir and connected in stages. Each section was carefully positioned using sonar-guided GPS technology and secured through a sophisticated anchoring system, ensuring long-term stability and performance.
Senior Vice-President and Head of APAC & India at Black & Veatch Jerin Raj said, “This award demonstrates the power of innovation and collaboration. Together with Carmen Copper, we delivered a first-of-a-kind floating solar project that demonstrates how industrial organizations can turn complex challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth. This project provides a blueprint for businesses across Asia seeking practical pathways to decarbonization while maintaining operational performance.”
Black & Veatch and Carmen Copper adopted a phased development model that began with technical validation and power system studies before progressing through front-end engineering and EPC delivery. This approach provided confidence in a concept that had not previously been deployed at this scale within the Philippines’ mining sector.
The project’s innovation extends beyond engineering. By converting a man-made reservoir into a renewable energy asset, the development overcame land constraints, avoided disturbance of surrounding areas and provided a pathway for future industrial decarbonization projects. The result is a practical blueprint that can be replicated by mining companies and other industrial operators across the region.
Safety and workforce development were also central to project success. More than 250,000 safe man-hours were completed without time lost caused by injury, while local workers received training and were integrated into project delivery teams.
The recognition further strengthens the Carmen Copper Floating Solar Project’s reputation as one of the most innovative renewable energy projects delivered in Asia in recent years.
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