MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), activated its 52.8-megawatt (MWac) MGreen Cordon Solar power plant in Bgy. Capirpiriwan, Cordon, Isabela on March 11, 2025. Recognized as one of the largest operational solar facilities in Region 2, the plant was completed four months ahead of schedule under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) second Green Energy Auction (GEA II) program.
The solar plant will provide clean electricity to over 53,000 households and reduce carbon emissions by 50,400 metric tons annually—equivalent to taking more than 11,700 gasoline-powered cars off the road, according to the Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator. It aligns with the Philippines’ targets of achieving 35% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
MGreen President and CEO Dennis B. Jordan said during the inauguration, “We’re proud to share this milestone with the people of Cordon as we switch on our solar power plant that’s completed four months ahead of schedule. We want to show that economic progress and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
Cordon Mayor Lynn Zuniega added, “Today, after years of planning, perseverance, and collaboration, our vision has finally become a reality.”
The project also delivered local benefits, creating over 800 jobs during construction. MGreen supported the community with 20 solar street lights, 500 planted seedlings, and a medical mission serving 170 residents, alongside contributions to local festivals and the 2025 Isabela Provincial Athletic Association Meet.
DOE Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan highlighted the project’s impact, stating, “There are several benefits from this project, including the local job opportunities created, the boosting of local businesses, and the Energy Regulation No. 1-94 benefit which gives host communities a share from the profits of power plants.”
This marks MGreen’s seventh solar facility in the Philippines, joining plants in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Rizal, Batangas, and Tarlac. The company, which currently manages a 344.5 MW net sellable renewable energy capacity, plans to expand by 85.2 MWac in 2025 with projects in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, and Baras, Rizal. The Energy Regulatory Commission’s Primabelle Gobantes noted, “Projects like this play a vital role in helping the government reach the renewable energy targets in our National Renewable Energy Plan.”
MGreen Cordon Solar is a win for clean energy and local communities—but is it enough to keep the Philippines on track for its 2030 renewable energy goal? What’s the next step needed to make this scale nationwide? Share your thoughts!
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