Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc., has energized the first 250 megawatts (MW) of its solar capacity, marking the start of commercial operations and a key step in the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
The milestone represents a critical phase in the project’s staged development and comes amid heightened global fuel market volatility, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East. This context has underscored the urgency of strengthening domestic and renewable energy sources to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
“Reaching this milestone reflects strong execution, collaboration, and dedication from our teams and partners. More importantly, it highlights the role of projects like MTerra Solar in securing the country’s energy future at a time when reliability and affordability are under increasing pressure,” said Dennis B. Jordan, president and chief executive of MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar.
Initially authorized to export up to 85 MW during testing and commissioning, the facility is now delivering up to 250 MW to the grid, with support from the Department of Energy and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. The additional capacity is expected to help stabilize supply during a period of elevated demand.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin previously highlighted the project’s importance in expanding the country’s renewable energy pipeline and addressing near-term supply constraints.
“The initial grid synchronization of MTerra Solar—led by MGEN and Actis—represents a meaningful step toward a cleaner and more energy-resilient Philippines,” Garin said.
MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio added that the project’s phased energization allows earlier capacity delivery, helping ease supply pressures and support stable electricity prices amid evolving global conditions.
Alongside solar generation, MTerra Solar has also energized the first tranche of its battery energy storage system (BESS), enabling the plant to deliver up to 450 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy to the grid at night. This represents the largest operational BESS currently available in the Philippines.
Further integration works are scheduled in the coming weeks to ensure the safe and efficient synchronization of the battery storage system with the solar facility. Once fully operational, the integrated system is expected to enhance grid stability and enable renewable energy dispatch beyond daylight hours.
At full capacity, the project is projected to generate up to 3,500 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar power, supported by a 4,500 MWh battery storage system—enough to supply clean energy to approximately 2.4 million households.
The project is also expected to avoid around 4.3 million tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to removing more than 3 million gasoline-powered vehicles from the road.
With Phase 1 on track for completion this year and Phase 2 already under construction, MTerra Solar is set to play a significant role in helping the Philippines meet its renewable energy targets of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
