MGEN, VITRO to build RE-powered data centers

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) and PLDT’s VITRO REIT Inc. are embarking on a strategic venture to develop data centers powered by renewable energy.

MGEN and PLDT chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan led the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two companies, which covers a joint feasibility study ahead of potential project development.

MGEN is behind what could become the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility, while VITRO is a wholly owned subsidiary of PLDT’s ePLDT Inc. that is gearing up for a public listing.

Under the agreement, MGEN will explore potential sites where data centers can be developed alongside power generation facilities. It will also evaluate potential power supply arrangements.

VITRO, meanwhile, will take charge of data center design and site studies, connectivity planning and engagement with prospective hyperscalers and other locators.

MGEN president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio said the partnership highlights the growing convergence of the energy and digital infrastructure sectors, with reliable power emerging as a critical factor in supporting data center growth.

“By bringing together our respective capabilities, we can explore solutions on how reliable, cost-competitive and sustainable power can be integrated into the development of digital infrastructure,” Rubio said.

The collaboration is expected to help the Philippines meet the growing demand for digital services and high-density computing infrastructure.

“Improving the cost and reliability of power is one of the key objectives of this collaboration, as energy remains a decisive factor in attracting hyperscale and AI (artificial intelligence) investments to the country,” VITRO president and CEO Victor Genuino said.

“VITRO is committed to working closely with the energy sector to help secure ample, stable, sustainable and affordable energy for the digital infrastructure that supports the Philippines’ digital economy,” Genuino added.

VITRO was earlier targeting to list on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Oct. 12, but a source told The STAR the move could be postponed to a later date.

MGEN, on the other hand, is now selling electricity from a portion of its P200-billion MTerra Solar project in Central Luzon.

MTerra Solar, which is poised to become the largest of its kind in the world, consists of a 3,500-megawatt solar farm equipped with a 4,500-MW-hour battery storage component.