^{Photo credit: PNA}

Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) is moving toward renewable energy integration in Iloilo City, unveiling plans to install solar panels and a battery energy storage system to replace two decommissioned diesel units at its Barangay Ingore facility in La Paz district.

The phased retirement of the diesel units began in 2024 and is expected to finish by the first quarter of 2026. These units, with a combined derated capacity of 40 megawatts, historically served as peaking plants during periods of high demand.

“It’s economically not viable. We also have plans, as part of sustainability, to change the technology, because it’s an old technology. Part of our plan is to really replace it with solar and battery,” said Antonio Cabalhug Jr., head of MGEN Thermal Panay energy site, in an interview Tuesday, Philippine News Agency reports.

Under the plan, the three-unit coal-fired power plant at the site will remain the base-load facility, while the new solar and battery system will augment capacity during peak demand. Cabalhug added that the development aims to create an “integrated area” to supply both electricity and water, supporting sister companies occupying nearby sites.

MGEN Thermal president and CEO Felino Bernardo also confirmed the firm is advancing its Iloilo City waste-to-energy project, which will eventually supply fuel to the coal plant. However, he noted wind energy is not part of MGEN’s near-term plans. “The opportunity for Panay is more on thermal,” Bernardo said. 

What’s your take on MGEN’s renewable push in Iloilo? How will this reshape energy supply in Visayas? Let’s discuss!

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