The Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO), through its power generating arm MERALCO PowerGen Corp., is looking to commission two of its solar power plants by the first quarter of 2023, as well as begin construction of “hundreds of megawatts (MW)” of renewable energy projects. 

In a report by the Philippine Star, MGEN President and CEO Jaime Azurin said that the company is looking to commission around 150 MW of renewable energy capacity during the first quarter. 

Currently, MGEN has a 55 MW capacity in PowerSource First Bulacan Solar Inc., which commenced commercial operations in 2021.

Among the projects slated for commercial operations include a 75-MWac solar plant in Baraz, Rizal – a project through PH Renewables Inc., a joint venture of MGen Renewable Energy Inc. and MitRenewables Philippine Corp., a local unit of Mitsui. 

A 68-MWac solar plant in Ilocos Norte, a project of MGReen and Vena Energy, is also targeted for commercial operations. 

Azurin said that MGEN is looking to begin construction for “hundreds of megawatts” of projects by 2023. 

MGEN is looking to reach 1500 MW of renewable energy capacity in the next seven years. 

Together with subsidiary Global Business Power Corp., MGEN has a total gross capacity of 2,446 MW consisting of coal, liquefied natural gas, diesel, and solar power.