MTerra Solar delivers 250-MW power to Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the ongoing energy emergency, the Luzon grid has received a major boost as Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) begins supplying 250 megawatts (MW) from its MTerra Solar project.

The company, led by tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, has also activated the first tranche of MTerra Solar’s battery energy storage system (BESS), enabling the facility to deliver up to 450 MW-hours of clean power at night.

This is now the largest operational BESS capacity in the Philippines.

“Beyond its contribution to the renewable energy transition, MTerra Solar plays an important role in supporting the country’s near-term energy requirements,” MGEN president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio said.

Straddling Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, MTerra Solar features a 3,500-MW solar farm equipped with a 4,500-MWh BESS component. It is poised to become the largest of its kind in the world upon full completion in 2027.

“The project’s phased energization enables earlier delivery of capacity to the grid, helping ease supply constraints and supporting efforts to maintain stable electricity prices amid evolving global conditions,” Rubio said.

MTerra Solar’s initial power delivery comes at a critical time, as surging fuel prices driven by the escalating Middle East war threaten to drive up the electricity rates across the Philippines.

As a net importer of oil, coal and liquefied natural gas, the country could see an increase of over P5 per kilowatt-hour in spot market power rates starting next month, based on market simulations.

Given this, the Department of Energy (DOE) welcomed MTerra Solar’s latest milestone, noting that its solar and battery capacities are expected to help the country reduce reliance on imported fuel.

“Every MW of domestic capacity that we bring into the grid strengthens our ability to withstand external shocks, protect consumers and preserve system reliability,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

“Amid the Middle East conflict, accelerating the development of renewable energy and storage is both a strategic necessity and a national imperative,” Garin added.

The DOE intends to work closely with the grid operator and the regulator to speed up the development and integration of MTerra Solar and other power projects.

MGEN expects the first phase of MTerra Solar to be completed by August. At full capacity, the project is projected to power around 2.4 million households.