MGen projects delayed as deliveries from China hit snag

MANILA, Philippines — Projects of Meralco Powergen Corp. (MGen, the power generating unit of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), are encountering delays due to the coronavirus epidemic.

MGen president and chief executive officer Rogelio Singson said the company remains committed to shifting to clean energy as it pursues its target of 1,000 megawatts (MW) of renewables capacity.

However, the company is facing some challenges in its first wave of solar projects due to delayed delivery of solar panels from China.

“We encountered some delays because the PV (photovoltaic) panels that are coming from China have not been shipped out,” Singson said.

One of the affected solar projects is in Tarlac, which was originally targeted for completion by the middle of the year.

“One project in Tarlac, about close to 30 percent has been delivered, but unfortunately we were hoping  this will be commissioned in the middle of this year. We think there may be a push back because of the non-delivery of panels,” Singson said.

The other project is located in Bulacan, wherein the contractor and solar panels are both coming from China.

MGen hopes the panels will be delivered this summer.

While waiting for the solar panels to be delivered, MGen is proceeding with the other construction works in both sites.

“Actually [they’re] a go. We’re just delayed because of the delivery of the panels. The construction is ongoing, fencing is almost done, site clearing has been completed,” Singson said.

MGen has a commitment to undertake the development of 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects in the next five to seven years.

Plans  also include the development of large-scale solar, wind and hydropower projects that will provide reliable, environment-friendly power at competitive prices without the need for subsidy.