Manila Electric Co.’s power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corp,. (MGEN) is pursuing new renewable energy projects, modernizing its conventional power business, developing future energy professionals, and funding community programs, reflecting how the country’s energy transition increasingly depends on both infrastructure and human capital.

Its latest move is a partnership with Vietnam-based VinEnergo Energy Joint Stock Company to explore renewable energy projects capable of delivering up to 5 gigawatts (GW) of baseload-equivalent capacity.

The initiative could eventually involve up to 25 GW of integrated renewable energy and energy storage, potentially making renewable power available around the clock while reducing dependence on conventional generation.

“MGEN continues to pursue opportunities that will enable a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future,” said MGEN president and chief executive officer Emmanuel V. Rubio.

“Through this MoU, we look forward to assessing how large-scale renewable energy, storage, and related infrastructure can contribute to the country’s evolving energy requirements,” he added.

VinEnergo expertise

VinEnergo said it will contribute its expertise in energy development and infrastructure to the partnership.

“We are pleased to partner with Meralco and MGEN to explore innovative solutions in building baseload-equivalent renewable energy solutions that can support the Philippines’ growing energy needs and sustainability goals,” VinEnergo general director Nguyen Anh Khoa said.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing clean energy and strengthening long-term energy security. We also look forward to exploring broader opportunities for collaboration between Meralco, MGEN, VinEnergo, and the Vingroup ecosystem to create lasting value for the communities we serve.”

Both companies are also exploring opportunities in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including residential, commercial and fleet charging solutions, as they seek to support broader EV adoption in the country.

While the renewable energy partnership looks toward the future, MGEN is also investing in the people who will help build it.

MGEN Center for Innovation

Iloilo City, the company opened the MGEN Center for Innovation inside the Panay Energy Development Corp. facility, making it the first Meralco Power Academy facility outside the Meralco franchise area.

“Now, it will serve a wider audience and aim to become a leading hub for energy education, research, and innovation. This is the first of many Centers for Innovation we plan to establish across our sites in the Philippines,” Rubio said.

The company is also preparing the next generation of energy professionals through its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program, which has sent trainees to France, Canada, South Korea and China for specialized training.

TERRAnsform

Affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc. has graduated 603 scholars under its TERRAnsform livelihood program in Nueva Ecija, with nearly 60 percent already employed by contractors working on the MTerra Solar project.

In Iloilo City, MGEN has completed the P17.3-million La Paz Football Ground project, the first internationally compliant plaza-based football lighting system in Western Visayas.

“It is a privilege for us to continue serving this community, not only through energy but also through initiatives that uplift lives and empower people,” Rubio said.

Environmental initiatives continue alongside those investments.

More than 845,726 trees planted in Iloilo

MGEN’s Handumanan Reforestation and Carbon Sink Project has planted more than 845,726 trees in Iloilo since 2009, with another 153,660 trees to be added under a P10-million second phase.

The company has likewise expanded employee-led inclusion efforts, including a P100,000 fundraising campaign for Best Buddies Philippines Foundation Inc., which supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We believe in powering a better tomorrow beyond megawatts and infrastructure. It also means building a workplace that is inclusive, sustainable, and grounded in community,” MGEN Renewables president and chief executive officer Dennis Jordan said.

Behind these investments, MGEN is also reshaping its own organization.

Leadership transition

The company recently appointed Arnel L. Santos as president and chief executive officer of MGEN Thermal Energy Inc., completing the transition of Global Business Power Corp. into MGEN’s dedicated thermal power platform.

“This leadership transition positions us strongly for both today’s operational priorities and tomorrow’s growth opportunities,” Rubio said.

Santos succeeds Felino “Lino” Bernardo, while Sam Manlosa assumes the role of chief operating officer. Bernardo will continue to lead MGEN’s strategic energy transition initiatives, including the Atimonan One Energy project, the Toledo expansion, nuclear energy studies, and LNG and indigenous gas programs.