BUSINESS

MGEN highlights R.E. investments at ASEAN forum

Mico Virata · Oct 11, 2026, 1:14 AM

MERALCO PowerGen Corporation operates a diversified energy portfolio spanning renewable energy, natural gas, and conventional thermal assets with a combined net sellable capacity of nearly 5,000 MW. — Photograph courtesy of meralcopowergen.com

Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) highlighted its investments in renewable energy, natural gas and thermal power at the 2026 ASEAN Energy Business Forum, as the company called for stronger regional cooperation to improve energy security and support the transition to cleaner power sources.

The power generation subsidiary of Meralco received a commendation from the Department of Energy (DoE) for its investment in Singapore-based PacificLight Power’s 670-megawatt hydrogen-ready combined-cycle gas turbine plant, which is expected to strengthen cross-border energy cooperation.

Singapore’s first gas-fired power plant

The S$1.2-billion facility on Jurong Island will be Singapore’s first gas-fired power plant integrated with a large-scale battery energy storage system. It is designed to co-fire up to 30 percent hydrogen from the outset, with the potential to transition to 100 percent hydrogen in the future.

During the forum, MGEN president and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said the Philippines could attract more energy investments through policy reforms, its renewable energy resources and its capacity to develop large-scale projects. He also called for closer alignment between national and local requirements, clearer permitting timelines and better transmission planning.

MGEN Thermal president and CEO Arnel Santos emphasized the continuing role of dependable thermal generation as renewable energy expands, noting the need to keep existing power assets safe, efficient and reliable.

Meanwhile, MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar president and CEO Dennis B. Jordan discussed the challenges of developing renewable energy projects at scale. MTerra Solar combines 3,500 megawatts-peak of solar capacity with 4,500 megawatt-hours of battery storage and requires a dedicated 13-kilometer, 500-kilovolt transmission line.

Phase 1 of MTerra Solar entered commercial operations in August 2026, less than two years after construction began in November 2024, according to the company.

Liquified Natural Gas Philippines (LNGPH) president and CEO Yari A. Miralao also discussed natural gas’s role in energy security and system flexibility. MGEN holds a 40.2 percent investment in LNGPH, which operates an integrated liquefied natural gas terminal and gas-to-power complex in Batangas.

MGEN also showcased its energy assets and investments through an exhibition booth featuring a prototype of MTerra Solar’s battery energy storage system.