^{Photo: MGEN, Actis, DOE, and NGCP officials mark the initial synchronization and energization of MTerra Solar – achieved in less than 15 months since its groundbreaking.}

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar), has synchronized Phase 1 of its project with the Luzon grid and is set to begin an 85-megawatt (MW) constant power export test this month, marking its transition from construction to active grid participation.

The synchronization, achieved in less than 15 months since groundbreaking, confirms system readiness and safe connection to the Luzon grid. The milestone was marked during an event on Feb. 12 in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, attended by officials from the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and project partner Actis.

“Today is an important moment because it tells us we are on the right track not just in delivering scale, but in proving that we can operate this project safely and reliably,” MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar President & CEO Dennis B. Jordan said. “And after a milestone like this, the message is clear: anything is possible from hereon. We now move forward with confidence – continuing to expand capacity, push innovation, and deliver clean energy for Filipinos.” 

The synchronization follows the earlier energization and cut-in of the project’s 500-kilovolt substation along the Nagsaag–San Jose 500-kV Line 2, a critical backbone for grid integration.

As of end-January 2026, Phase 1 has reached 1,288 megawatts direct current (MWdc) of installed solar photovoltaic capacity, making it the largest solar installation in the Philippines to date. In parallel, 622 battery energy storage system (BESS) units have been installed, set to form the country’s largest battery facility once fully operational.

By end-February 2026, MTerra Solar targets 250 megawatts alternating current (MWac) of solar capacity and 112.5 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage capacity. The 85-MW constant power export, to be carried out in coordination with NGCP, is intended to demonstrate system stability and reliability ahead of a broader capacity ramp-up in the coming months.

“The initial grid synchronization of MTerra Solar – led by MGEN and Actis – represents a meaningful step towards our transition to a cleaner and more energy resilient Philippines. This power plant alone – once completed – will be producing power for 10% of Luzon,” DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said.

DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara described the switch-on as a preparatory step toward full power export and synchronization. “Once synchronization is completed, the plant can begin supplying firm and dependable capacity through the combination of solar power and battery energy storage – another first for the country,” she said. 

NGCP said the energization marks a critical infrastructure readiness milestone. “This is an important step in establishing the transmission interface for one of the country’s most significant clean energy projects,” said Redi Allan Remoroza, NGCP Head of Transmission Planning.

MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said the energization signals the start of a larger rollout. “MTerra Solar proves the Philippines can build big—and build fast. Today’s energization is not the finish line; it is the start of a bigger journey that will expand our capacity, broaden our impact, and demonstrate that the Philippines can lead in delivering renewable energy at scale,” he said.

Phase 2 construction has begun, marked by the project’s first pile installation. Once fully completed, MTerra Solar is expected to deliver 3,500 megawatt-peak (MWp) of solar capacity paired with 4,500 MWh of battery storage, positioning it to become the world’s largest integrated solar PV and battery energy storage facility.

The project is intended to support Meralco’s requirements under its power supply agreement and contribute to the Philippines’ renewable energy targets of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, while strengthening energy security and grid resilience in Luzon.

What are your thoughts on the pace and scale of MTerra Solar’s rollout—and its implications for large-scale renewable integration in the Luzon grid? Join the discussion.

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