MGEN’s massive solar project starts Luzon grid link
The project will start exporting 85MW of constant power to the Luzon grid as part of preparations for a capacity ramp-up in the coming months. Meralco PowerGen Corp.’s MTerra Solar project is projected to become the world’s largest integrated solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage facility, with capacity equivalent to about 10 percent of Luzon’s power demand.
SOLAR Surge Meralco PowerGen is racing ahead of schedule, with its MTerra Solar project already generating 778 MW, poised to become the largest solar farm in the Philippines and powering up millions with clean energy by 2027.
Photograph courtesy of MTerra Solar
Electricity consumers in Luzon are set to receive additional clean energy supply as Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), through its affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc., completed the initial grid synchronization and energization of the MTerra Solar project, allowing the facility to connect to the Luzon grid.
The Pangilinan-led firm said Saturday that the development confirms the project’s system readiness and enables it to begin exporting power to the grid.
“We now move forward with confidence — continuing to expand capacity, push innovation, and deliver clean energy for Filipinos,” MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar president and CEO Dennis B. Jordan said.
The development followed the energization and cut-in of the project’s 500-kilovolt (kV) substation along the Nagsaag–San Jose 500-kV Line 2, which supports its integration into the grid.
Phl RE pipeline expansion
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the initial grid synchronization represents a step in expanding the country’s renewable energy pipeline.
“The initial grid synchronization of MTerra Solar — led by MGEN and Actis — represents a meaningful step towards our transition to a cleaner and more energy resilient Philippines.”
Meanwhile, MGEN president and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio pointed out that the energization marks the start of its phased expansion.
“MTerra Solar proves the Philippines can build big — and build fast. Today’s energization is not the finish line; it is the start of a bigger journey that will expand our capacity, broaden our impact, and demonstrate that the Philippines can lead in delivering renewable energy at scale,” Rubio said.
Phase 1 is progressing on schedule, with 1,288 megawatts direct current of installed solar photovoltaic capacity as of end-January, already making it the largest solar installation in the Philippines. In parallel, 622 battery energy storage system units have been installed, also expected to be the largest in the country once completed.
Meanwhile, construction of Phase 2 has begun as MTerra Solar progresses toward full completion.
Ready by end-February
Following this development, MTerra Solar is targeting 250 megawatts alternating current of solar capacity and 112.5 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage capacity to be ready by end-February.
The project is set to begin exporting 85 megawatts of constant power to the grid in coordination with National Grid Corporation of the Philippines as part of preparations for a capacity ramp-up in the coming months.
MTerra Solar is projected to become the world’s largest integrated solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage facility, with capacity equivalent to about 10 percent of Luzon’s power demand.