Manila Electric Company’s (MERALCO) power generation branch, MERALCO PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), is working towards accomplishing renewable energy (RE) projects, offering 1,500 megawatts (MW) by 2030.
In a report by the Manila Standard, MGEN said it aimed to strengthen its RE expansion to be able to power the country using a greener energy option.
MGEN chief operating officer (COO) Dominador Camu Jr. said that the pipeline is very large, thus, the goal year for achieving the 1,500 MW is 2030, however, it may be sooner.
Additionally, the power arm of MERALCO is dedicated to carry out an investment worth Php 18 billion for its RE portfolio, which would encompass capacities from solar and wind.
The ongoing projects consist of the BulacanSol solar project in San Miguel, Bulacan, providing 55 MW, the Nuevo Solar Energy Corporation in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, contributing 68 MW, and the PH Renewables Inc. solar project in Baras, Rizal, offering 75 MW.
Apart from that, MGen and Solar Philippines have joined forces on the development of 4,000 MWh of battery storage and 3,500 MW of solar power in Luzon.
The MGEN COO also mentioned the potential for Atimonan One Energy, Inc. (AIE) to convert its projected power plant into a gas-fired power plant.
AIE had previously suggested a 1,200 MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant with high efficiency-low emissions for the project site. However, the plan was abandoned due to the absence of a power supply agreement and opposition from environmental groups.