Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its renewable energy affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar), has achieved a major milestone in its solar development project. With 778 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels now installed, MTerra Solar is the largest solar PV installation in the country to date.

Surpassing the 750 MW target ahead of schedule, the project has reached 54% completion of Phase 1 within just eight months since its groundbreaking in November 2024, which was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“MTerra Solar stands as a clear example of how we can shape the country’s energy future through strong partnerships and a shared vision,” said Dennis B. Jordan, President and CEO of both MTerra Solar and MGEN Renewable Energy. “With 778 MW of solar PV capacity now installed, we are making real progress toward delivering cleaner and more sustainable power for Filipinos.”

Located across five towns across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, the 3,500-hectare site is nearly the size of Pasig City. Once completed, MTerra Solar is expected to deliver 3,500 MWp of solar capacity and 4,500 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage, enough to power around 2.4 million households and offset up to 4.3 million tons of carbon emissions annually.

The project has also made a significant economic impact, generating over 9,500 jobs at its peak and logging more than 7.5 million safe man-hours. It is also expected to contribute to the national target of achieving 35% renewable energy in the generation mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

Local leaders praised the project. “The provincial government of Nueva Ecija will continue to champion projects like MTerra Solar,” said Atty. Jose Maria San Pedro, representing Governor Aurelio “Oyie” Umali. “It is our duty to pave the way for a future that is not only bright but also clean, green, and just.”

Gapan City Mayor Emary Joy Pascual said the project has brought job and business opportunities to her constituents: “Nakakatuwa dahil libo-libong trabaho at negosyo ang naging oportunidad dito sa Lungsod ng Gapan at pakikinabangan ng mga Batang Gapan.”

General Tinio Mayor Sherry Bolisay added, “The strong partnership that we build today is a commitment to improve the lives of our people now and beyond.”

The project is being developed with support from major engineering and procurement contractors, including Energy China, POWERCHINA, and MIESCOR. Huawei is supplying the battery storage systems; while Maxipro Development Corp., Fujian Electric Power and Engineering Co. Ltd., and Asia Pacific Rim International Construction are contributing to grid and electrical systems.

MTerra Solar’s Phase 1 is on track for completion by early 2026, with Phase 2 expected by 2027. MGEN is now set to meet its goal of 1,500 MW of attributable renewable energy capacity by 2027, three years ahead of its original 2030 target.

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