MGEN Inaugurates MTerra Solar Phase 1
Strengthening the Philippines’ energy security with the world’s largest integrated solar and battery Facility
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Daily TribuneStrengthening the Philippines’ energy security with the world’s largest integrated solar and battery Facility
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Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), together with its partners, inaugurated MTerra Solar Phase 1 on 14 July 2026 – marking the completion of the first phase of what is set to become the world’s largest integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS). The milestone underscores the Philippines’ growing leadership in large-scale renewable energy development while reinforcing the country’s path toward a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
During the inauguration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the country’s ability to execute renewable energy projects of significant scale: “the MTerra Solar project is proof that the Philippines is capable not only of envisioning, but also of delivering.”
MGEN Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan shared his vision for a future where clean, reliable energy is within reach of every Filipino. “What we inaugurate today will be the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility located in a single site. And it rises not in Texas, not in the Gobi Desert, but right here in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. This inauguration today was made possible not only by Meralco but by many other hands, other minds, and many hearts,” he exclaimed.
MTerra Solar Phase 1 has successfully energized 1,373 MW of solar PV capacity and 825 MW of battery energy storage, equivalent to 3,300 MWh, making it the largest operational integrated solar and battery facility on a single site globally. At present, its maximum export capacity to the Luzon grid remains at 750 MW pending completion of various works done in collaboration with the grid operator. The project has also fully energized all 741 battery units, enabling it to reliably deliver clean electricity to the Luzon grid.
Following the successful completion of required grid tests, the MTerra Solar facility is now ready to fulfill its 600-megawatt mid-merit Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with Meralco, providing customers with a dependable source of clean energy. As of end-June 2026, more than 2,000 MWdc of solar panels have already been installed under Phase 1, while the project has safely logged over 30 million work hours without a lost-time injury.
“MGEN has always believed that the energy transition must deliver not only cleaner power, but also reliable and affordable electricity for Filipinos. MTerra Solar demonstrates what is possible when vision, innovation, and collaboration come together. Beyond building one of the world’s most significant renewable energy facilities, we are helping build a stronger and more resilient Philippine energy system capable of supporting the country’s long-term economic growth,” said Emmanuel V. Rubio, President and CEO of MGEN.
A Global First, Built by Filipinos for the Philippines
Reflecting the inauguration event’s theme, “Araw ng Pilipino,” MTerra Solar stands as a proud symbol of what the Philippines can achieve through Filipino ingenuity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to nation-building. More than a milestone for MGEN, MTerra Solar is a milestone for the Philippines.
MTerra Solar showcases the country’s ability to deliver infrastructure of global significance through the collective efforts of government, the private sector, host communities, and thousands of Filipino workers. Beyond setting a new global benchmark in renewable energy, MTerra Solar reflects the ingenuity, determination, and collaboration of Filipinos in building a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
Recognizing the project’s significance to the Philippines’ energy future, Lucy Heintz, Partner and Head of Energy Infrastructure at Actis, said: “We are delighted to be working with the high quality MGEN team to energize 1,373 MW of domestic energy to the Philippines, reducing import dependence, improving resilience and accelerating energy security, while giving the government and industrial customers greater visibility over future power costs. It’s fantastic to see the Philippines leading the world in delivering such a solution.”
Creating Shared Value for Host Communities
“MTerra Solar is designed to create shared value. Beyond delivering clean and affordable energy, we have so far invested Php88.6 million in education, livelihood, public safety, and community development to ensure the benefits of this project create lasting opportunities for the people of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan,” shared Dennis B. Jordan, President and CEO of MGEN Renewables and Terra Solar Philippines Inc.
Job Readiness and Skills Development
MTerra Solar trained and graduated 603 locals in skills relevant to renewable energy construction and operations – with 75% already hired for roles supporting the project’s construction needs.
Community Lighting and Public Safety
The project also helped improve road visibility and public safety in host communities through the installation of 260 solar-powered streetlights.
Emergency Response and Disaster Resilience
MTerra Solar turned over a fire truck and built a fire substation in Gapan City – helping reduce the distance responders need to travel during fire and other emergency situations.
Supporting Local Livelihoods
MTerra Solar has created livelihood opportunities for 35 local vendors by providing rent-free marketplace spaces within the site – selling goods and services to over 9,000 project workers at its peak.
Traffic Management and Road Safety
It has also strengthened local traffic management by training and equipping 214 community traffic marshals, and donating 17 marshal posts in key areas.
Agrivoltaics Research and Sustainable Agriculture
To demonstrate that renewable energy development can complement rather than compete with agriculture, MTerra Solar also recently partnered with Central Luzon State University (CLSU) on pioneering agrivoltaics research. The studies will evaluate how crops can be successfully cultivated around and beneath solar panels, generating science-based recommendations that support farmer livelihoods, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable land use.
