Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) has inaugurated MTerra Solar Phase 1, with 1,373 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity and 825 MW of battery energy storage already energized.

The battery component is equivalent to 3,300 megawatt-hours (MWh), with all 741 battery units energized.

Despite the project’s energized capacity, its maximum export capacity to the Luzon grid currently remains at 750 MW pending completion of various works being undertaken with the grid operator.

Following the completion of required grid tests, MGEN said the facility is now ready to fulfill its 600-MW mid-merit Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

Mid-merit supply generally refers to power that helps meet demand beyond baseload requirements, especially during higher-demand periods.

The inauguration was held in Nueva Ecija on July 14 and was attended by public and private sector officials, including President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, and officials from MGEN, the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) CEO and Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan, and other local government officials.

During the event, President Marcos said the MTerra Solar project shows that the Philippines is capable “not only of envisioning, but also of delivering” renewable energy projects of significant scale.

“MGEN has always believed that the energy transition must deliver not only cleaner power, but also reliable and affordable electricity for Filipinos,” MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said.

Rubio also said MTerra Solar demonstrates what is possible when vision, innovation, and collaboration come together, adding that the project supports a stronger and more resilient Philippine energy system.

As of end-June 2026, more than 2,000 MWdc of solar panels had been installed under Phase 1, while the project had logged over 30 million work hours without a lost-time injury.

MGEN said the integrated battery energy storage system allows solar energy generated during the day to be stored and dispatched during peak demand periods.

This allows the facility to provide mid-merit power while helping improve grid stability and energy security.

The company said Phase 1 will deliver 600 MW of renewable energy as the lowest-cost mid-merit supply in Meralco’s energy supply mix, helping diversify supply and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

Once fully completed, MTerra Solar is expected to deliver 3,500 MWp of solar PV capacity paired with 4,500 MWh of battery energy storage.

The project is being developed in two phases across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan by Terra Solar Philippines Inc., a joint investment between SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC) and Actis.

MGEN said the project supports the Philippine Energy Plan and the government’s renewable energy targets of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, while adding large-scale solar-plus-storage capacity to the Luzon grid.

Can large-scale solar-plus-storage projects help strengthen grid reliability as the Philippines adds more renewable energy capacity?

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