Meralco unit to build hydrogen-ready plant in Singapore

PacificLight Power Pte Ltd (PLP), the Singapore-based unit of Meralco Powergen Corp. (MGEN), has secured a contract from the Singaporean government to develop, own, and operate a hydrogen-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant on Jurong Island.  

The project, awarded by Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA), will have a capacity of at least 600 megawatts (MW) and is slated to begin commercial operations in January 2029. 

Once completed, it will be the largest single H-class CCGT facility in Singapore and the most efficient of its kind, featuring a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).  

"PLP's continuing strong performance in a very competitive power market has enabled us to move forward with this industry-leading project to bring additional clean power to Singapore," Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said on Monday.

"PLP's ability to take on a meaningful project such as this cements its place among MGEN's core holdings."  

The new plant will complement PLP’s existing 830MW CCGT facility, operational since 2014, and a 100MW Fast Start capacity, which is expected to come online by the second quarter of this year.  

Capable of utilizing at least 30 percent hydrogen upon launch, the plant is designed for future conversion to 100 percent hydrogen, contingent on market and regulatory requirements. It will also include space for a second CCGT unit and the potential integration of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technology, emphasizing PLP's commitment to decarbonization.  

"This landmark project exemplifies MGEN's steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence," Emmanuel V. Rubio, President and CEO of MGEN, said.

"As we advance with this investment, we are not only addressing Singapore's growing energy needs but also setting a new standard for integrating efficiency and environmental responsibility in power generation. Together with our partners, we are paving the way for a greener and more resilient energy future in the region."